Betty Rahn Cresswell

Betty Rahn Cresswell

“I knew if I stayed around long enough something like this would happen.” (George Bernard Shaw)

Oh, how Betty loved the above epitaph. And, at the age of 105, it eventually came true.

Elizabeth (Betty) Anne Rahn was born at home in East Mauch Chunk, PA on June 14, 1919 (Flag Day) and died at her home in Casper, WY on December 6, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Betty’s life can be best described as a three-act play.

ACT I – the first 22 years 1919 – 1941

The daughter of Nicholas Machmer Rahn and Ella Steinberger Rahn, Betty joined her sister Hazelle and brother Richard to complete the family. Betty was born in the era of silent movies and train travel, and family car trips. Betty led an active life as a child, hiking to reservoirs, sledding down hills, walking to movies, bicycling around town and these activities began her love of the outdoor life.

Betty graduated from high school in 1937 and like her father and siblings before her, attended Pennsylvania State University (now Penn State). She was an active member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She met future husband Don Cresswell during her junior year while ice skating on campus. Betty graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and General Science along with a Teaching Degree in 1941. Betty taught high school Home Economics and Science near Harrisburg, PA prior to her marriage on December 26,1941.

ACT II – the next 58 years (1941-1999)

World War II created a major shift in Betty’s life. Don was stationed at a newly opened Caper Army Air Base in Casper WY. From 1943 – 1945 she taught high school PE classes in East Mauch Chunk, PA while Don was stationed in England. In 1947, Don, Betty and their first child Barb, born in 1946, moved to Casper, WY where Betty spent the rest of her life. Ted (1948), Tom (1955) and Janet (1957) completed the family. In addition to raising her family, Betty was a partner with Don in their wholesale candy and paper business where she was bookkeeper/treasurer. Betty and Don were active in the First Presbyterian Church where she was treasurer and taught Sunday School. Betty and Don also enjoyed the church’s social events, and bridge playing with close friends. Betty’s hobbies included quilting, needlework and gardening and she was an avid reader. A love of camping (from pup-tent to army surplus tent to camper to fifth wheel) took them throughout the state of Wyoming, coast and coast, as well as Canada. A time-share condo in Jackson, WY for 45 years allowed for winter cross-country skiing and summer hikes. After retirement, Betty and Don traveled with Ports-a-Call to Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and Europe. Betty delivered meals for 40 years for Meals on Wheels from its inception in 1971.

ACT III – the next 25 years - October 1999 – December 2024

After Don died in October 1999, Betty, at age 80, continued her very active life. She volunteered at the Natrona County Public Library, participated in a reading program at Park Elementary School and continued delivering Meals on Wheels. She was part of several bridge clubs during these years. She began leading the senior exercise class at the Central Wyoming Senior Center at the age of 86 and continued doing so until just before her 101st birthday when she stopped due to COVID closures. Her ongoing travels took her to New Zealand, 3 trips to Europe and many excursions state side, plus summer weeks in Jackson.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Don (1999), son Ted (2010) and daughter Barb (2022) (Terry Deshler of Laramie). She is survived by her son Tom and daughter Janet Wilson (Tom) of Laramie, grandchildren Oliver Deshler (Kelly) of Montrose, CO, Cressa Shuster (Bryce) of Portland, OR, Anna Stewart (Seth) of Pelican, AK, Heidi Pippin (Chris) of Saco, MT, Johnathan Pisciotti (Candy), Angela Armijo (Tim) of Laramie, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Betty’s wish was to have friends and family that are able to gather at her home for a remembrance. We will honor this wish on Saturday, December 14, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at 335 E 11th Street, Casper.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Meals on Wheels or Central Wyoming Hospice are appreciated.

To share a memory of Betty or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.