On Monday morning, Jan. 25, 2016, the lights went out all over Idyllwild. At the same time, a light went out for the friends and family of Betty Crimi when she peacefully died in her mountain home with her husband, Robert, at her side.

Born in Denver, Colorado, on June 21, 1921, Beatrix Ann Hubbard lived the majority of her 94 years in California, growing up in Inglewood and Encinitas, and raising her children (daughter Nancy Crimi Beggs and sons David and Gene Crimi) in Pasadena before moving to Idyllwild full-time in 1988.

A woman who valued good health, she enjoyed long walks hand in hand with Bob into her final year. She has always put her faith in God into the action of serving others through her church and its various ministries. She also used her skills as a crafter by making quilts and stuffed animals, and assisting children with craft projects at camp, VBS and orphanages. Her beautiful, ever-present smile and grateful spirit were enjoyed by co-workers and patrons alike at the Community Church Thrift Shop during her many years of service there.

Betty once stated in a college paper that her “life’s work is to become a very successful housewife and mother.” Her husband of 74 years, three children, four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren can attest that they continue to benefit from her dedication to that life’s work.

Continually amazed and grateful for the goodness of God and the people in their lives, just weeks before her death Betty was heard to say to her husband, “We’ve had a good life, haven’t we, Bob?” She paused. “And we noticed it.” A finer epitaph could not be found.

A celebration of Betty’s good life will be held at the Idyllwild Community Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. All who knew and loved Betty are welcome. For those who wish to honor her memory with a gift, donations may be made in her name to any of the following: Aurora University development office (designation: Crimi Scholarship Fund), 347 South Gladstone Ave., Aurora IL, 60506-4892; Camp Maranatha, P.O. Box 1736, Idyllwild, CA 92549; Advent Christian Village, P.O. Box 4305, Dowling Park, FL, 32064-9982; Idyllwild Community Church, P.O. Box 537, Idyllwild, CA 92549-0537.