Bettie Joan Dreahn, 89, of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2025. She was born July 12, 1936, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to William B. Wood and Lillian E. Stork.
Bettie was a woman of faith and a member of the Baptist church. Her lifelong love of history and heritage led her to become an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Texas First Families. For more than 55 years, she dedicated herself to researching and preserving her family’s genealogy — a passion she pursued with remarkable dedication and pride.
Throughout her career, Bettie worked primarily as a legal secretary but also served at Ellington Air Force Base and worked in real estate. Strong-willed and generous, Bettie was known as a fighter — resilient in spirit and deeply devoted to those she loved.
She had a green thumb and could often be found tending to her flower beds. A true animal lover, Bettie cherished the companionship of dogs and cats. She also enjoyed simple pleasures, like a good bowl of ice cream shared with loved ones.
Bettie’s family was her greatest joy, and she loved them fiercely.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Al Dreahn; her son, Richard Crawford; her granddaughter, Christina Crawford
Bettie is survived by her son, Ronald W. Crawford Sr., and his wife, Connie; her grandchildren, Jason Crawford, Ronald Crawford Jr., Tracey Wood, Brandy Padalecki, Ronald Brown, Rhonda Norton, Raymond Bridges, and Krishana Shukri; nieces, Linda Clark and Darlene Layton; and numerous great-grandchildren who will continue to carry on her legacy.
A visitation will be held at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with funeral services immediately following at 10:30 a.m. Bettie will be laid to rest at 1 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023.
Pallbearers will be Jason Crawford, Dalton Crawford, Dylan Crawford, Tanner Norton, Jake Norton, and John Pavleicek.
Bettie’s strength, love, and unwavering spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.