Betty Lucille “Lulu” (Crawford) Winkelman
Our beloved Betty Lucille “Lulu” (Crawford) Winkelman, who lived to the remarkable age of 111, peacefully departed this world on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at her home in Huntley, Illinois.
Born on April 3, 1913, on a farm south of Downing, Missouri, Lulu was the cherished daughter of Elbert Hamilton and Nora Alice (Smith) Crawford.
She spent her early years in Memphis, Missouri, and graduated from Downing High School before making her way to Chicago. It was in Chicago that Lulu met a young man named Lawrence “Larry” Winkelman at a party. Their connection was instantaneous, and they were united in marriage on August 25, 1934.
Lulu’s career with Bell Telephone Company in Chicago saw her rise from Operator to Supervisor of Equipment Maintenance, a position from which she retired in 1968. After retiring, she returned to Memphis, where she dedicated her time to the First Christian Church, teaching Sunday School, and actively participating in the Scotland County Auxiliary for many years.
Lulu and Larry embraced the snowbird lifestyle, spending winters in Venture Out, Mesa, Arizona, and filling their days with various activities. Lulu had a passion for travel, and together with Larry, they embarked on numerous adventures around the world before Larry’s passing on September 22, 1990. Even after Larry’s passing, Lulu continued her travels, including a memorable Panama Canal cruise for her 100th birthday.
In August 2004, Lulu moved to Mesa, Arizona, and later relocated to Huntley, Illinois, to be closer to family, living with her sister Edith and brother-in-law Robert.
Lulu leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories for her brother-in-law Robert Gordon, great nieces/caregivers Amanda Becker and her husband Tom, and Tracy Szczepanski, and her husband Dean. She will also be fondly remembered by her nephews Wayne Lowder, Ron (Janeece) Lowder, Samuel Keith Crawford, Thomas Crawford, and nieces Betty (Carroll) Highbarger and Barbara (Robert) Rankin. We extend our deepest gratitude to Chedric (Butch) Adasa, whose contributions to Lulu’s wellbeing and care over the past year have been invaluable.
Lulu was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lawrence Alfred Winkelman, her sisters Nellie (Walt) Lowder and Edith Gordon, her brothers Earl (Mary Belle) Crawford, William “Frank” Crawford, and Sam (Ivalee) Crawford, as well as her nieces Connie Crawford and Dottie Guarine (Caregiver) and nephew Robert Zierden.
As we remember Lulu, let us cherish the beautiful memories and the remarkable life she lived. May her soul rest in peace and her memory be a blessing to us all.
