Betty Jo Bangs Obituary

Description: Betty Jo Bangs Obituary...Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Betty Jo Bangs

Nov 6, 1931 — Jul 4, 2026

Obituary

Betty Jo Crane was born to Fred and Iva (Madsen) Crane at the family homestead south of Springfield, CO on November 6, 1931. She passed away on July 4, 2026, at Hugoton, KS at the age of 94 after battling a long illness.

Betty Jo was an only child until the age of 8 when her sister Dorothy was born. Dorothy’s arrival made her feel like she had her own living doll that she could actually feed and pick out clothing for. Two years later, brother Gary came along, followed by brother, Gerald. She established herself as the boss of the younger siblings, helping care for them as well as correct them if she felt they were doing something wrong. By the time the youngest sister, Sherry, was born, Betty was old enough to be out on her own even though she decided to stay and help care for the little late-comer.

Betty loved to dance and one particular night she was asked out on the dance floor by Bob Bangs. From the moment of their first dance, there was never anyone else for either of them. They continued dating and finally decided to make it official on September 24, 1952. They eloped to Clayton, NM with Bob’s sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Shirley Deweese, as their witnesses. Bob had built Betty a new home on his family’s farmstead and that’s where they made their home until Bob passed away in 2003. Bob & Betty enjoyed each other’s company whether it was gun trading, playing music, or just watching TV.

Music was always a central part of her life. Even when she was so small she could barely climb on the piano bench, she loved to plunk the keys and sing songs. Many times she would sit at the piano all day picking out a song by ear and playing it until she knew it perfectly. She never did learn to read music, but taught herself to add chords, runs, and octaves to make her style of music unique. She played for many local functions including benefits, dances, reunions, and the Hee Haw shows both in Springfield and Boise City, OK.

She also became intrigued by writing songs and could be found right up to the end of her life working on a new idea. In 1970 she went to Nashville and recorded her first single record and later recorded a gospel album. It was a dream come true for her to hear her songs played on various music stations.

Betty was very lonely after Bob passed away. Although she loved life on the farm, she bought a house and moved to Springfield. Several years later Bob & Sherry introduced her to a WY guy by the name of Don Bailey. She and Don had a lot in common with each other. Later Don proposed and she accepted. Betty and Don traveled to several states as well as taking a cruise. They had only spent a short time together before Don became ill and passed away.

This time Betty sold her house in Springfield and moved to Hugoton, KS to be closer to family. She bought a home there but only lived in it a short time until health complications required her to move into the local nursing home to receive more constant care. She remained at the Manor until her time of death, making many friends while she was there.

Welcoming her to heaven is her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her loving husband, Bob; her parents, Fred & Iva Crane; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy & Francis Holcomb; sister-in-law Pat Crane; In-laws Harold and Redith Bangs, Lloyd & Sis Lotus; Marjorie & Shirley Deweese, Doris & Tip Deen, Jack Bangs, and several nieces & nephews.

She is survived by Brother Gary Crane Pritchett, CO; Brother Gerald Crane Hugoton, KS; Sister Sherry Harr (Bob) Kasilof, AK; Nephews Rick Holcomb (Mary), Robbie Crane (Rachel); Steven Crane (Christie); Mark Crane (Jennelle); Nieces Courtney Puckett (Jerry); Pam Kellogg (Joe); Staci Olsen (Joshua); Christy Haar (Travis Coulter); and Lisa Crane. Also several great nieces and nephews as well as great great nieces and nephews.

If you listen closely in the wind, you just might hear the sound of her once again playing a country tune on her piano. She may be gone, but she will not be forgotten.

Dykes Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral Services

Visitation

July 9, 2026

Assembly of God Church

400 Church Street, Springfield, CO 81073

8:30 - 9:45 am (Mountain time)

Funeral Service

July 9, 2026

Assembly of God Church

400 Church Street, Springfield, CO 81073

Starts at 10:00 am (Mountain time)

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