Betty Croftcheck
Fayette County
Betty Croftcheck passed peacefully Tuesday, February 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and steady strength. She was born March 13, 1943.
A beautiful soul inside and out, Betty was a unifying presence, a woman whose intelligence, affections, and personal priorities were felt by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Betty was educated, deeply intelligent, and naturally curious. She took a genuine interest in people, ideas, and the world around her, and she carried thoughtful, considerate opinions that she was always comfortable expressing. She listened well, spoke with intention, and engaged fully in the lives of those she loved. Betty understood that love is best shown rather than proclaimed, and she chose to express herself in tangible ways that were true to who she was through her generosity, her instinct to gather family together, the everyday acts of care, and the steady ways she showed up for those closest to her.
Betty also had a deep appreciation for the beauty in life, nature, fashion, and the details that made a home feel warm and welcoming. She had an eye for what was lovely and meaningful, and she carried herself with a natural sense of style that was unmistakably her own.
She was raised in Republic, the daughter of Matt and Dorothy Bellan. Betty grew up alongside her siblings, Clarine, Rita, Shirley and Eddie, maintaining close family bonds rooted in loyalty, shared history, and deep affection. Betty loved her nieces and nephews and extended family.
Betty attended Redstone High School, where she met the love of her life, Donald “Donnie” Croftcheck. Their love story began there and endured nearly 70 years. Theirs was a remarkable lifetime partnership built on devotion, respect, and shared values. They remained close to the area that shaped them, raising their family not far from where their own journey began.
A proud graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, Betty dedicated her professional life to education and service. She spent her working career as a guidance counselor with Frazier School District, where she supported students with compassion, insight, and a steady belief in their potential.
In addition to her professional work, Betty was a quiet, yet vital force behind the success of the family business, Allison Custom Fabrication. Her support, organization, and behind-the- scenes dedication helped sustain the business in ways that mattered deeply and often went unspoken.
Betty was also deeply committed to her community and took great pride in the many years she served as an election official. She believed in civic responsibility and the importance of showing up – values she lived by every day.
She and Donnie raised three loving children, in birth order: Scott Croftcheck, Suzanne Shaw, and Brian Croftcheck. Betty carried her role as mother with strength, consistency and grace, always present, always invested, and always making time for her family through both challenges and celebrations.
Her heart expanded further with the arrival of her grandchildren. She was a devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren: children of Scott and wife Karen – Nathan Smith, Jenna Croftcheck and Ty Croftcheck; children of Suzanne and husband Robert “Rabs” – Ryan Shaw, Ben Shaw, Jacob Shaw; and children of Brian and wife Jennifer – Donnie Croftcheck and Ava Croftcheck. She followed their lives closely, took pride in each of them, and made room for every milestone and moment.
Betty was the glue of her family, the steady organizing force behind gatherings, traditions, and celebrations. She loved to host, to bring everyone together, and to create spaces where connection and togetherness could flourish. Family time mattered deeply to her, and she made sure it happened.
She will be remembered for her intelligence and curiosity, her strong and thoughtful voice, her lifelong love with Donnie, and the countless ways she showed her love through action. Betty Croftcheck leaves behind a family forever shaped by her example and sustained by the love she gave so faithfully.
She will be in our hearts always.
A public service will not be held, as the family will honor Betty’s life through a small private gathering.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to one of Betty’s favorite charities: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017 or info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org; or the City Mission – Living Stones, Inc., 155 North Gallatin Avenue, Uniontown, PA 15401, (724) 439 – 0201.