Betty Lois Craddock

Betty Kirkham Craddock, 93, passed away peacefully October 19, 2025 with her family by her side.
Born in North Little Rock, Arkansas to William Edward Lawrence and Vera Kirkham. She graduated Park College, married and eventually moved to San Diego while her husband, Bruce was in the military, then to Austin, TX and finally landed in Athens, Ohio where she lived for over 60 years. Betty took a job as an administrative assistant with Ohio University’s Department of Physics/Astronomy and retired after 30+ years.
These years were busy for Betty, raising 3 children, working and taking typing on the side (she was an expert typist). As a mother she taught her kids independence, the importance of education, perseverance, that struggle is good and kindness and thought for others is imperative.
Early travels were mostly to visit family in Chicago, Arkansas and Texas, but eventually she had yearly escapes to California and Nevada and over the years visited many states in the US, as well as Greece, Mexico and China. She loved a good Gin and Tonic (with tonic, not soda!), but enjoyed a Margarita with her Mexican meals! While drinking Margaritas she’d been known to get lost in a broom closet instead of the ladies room! Betty loved to travel and eat - any food was fair game.
A bibliophile, she also loved art and craft. With her joy of spirit, Betty was up for almost anything…as long as she had a book to read. Whenever she showed up at local art/craft shows it seemed there was an inaudible ‘Yay! Betty Craddock is here!’ from the artists - she’ll be missed at Columbus Winterfair, The Dairy barn (where she also did a stint as a volunteer) and various bazaars around Athens. The same could be said of Chico, her favorite place to shop. Whether visiting her daughter in Columbus or her sister in Palm Springs area, California, a trip to Chico was always included.
She enjoyed her Tuesday Lunch Bunch, MahJong, Mexican Train and AFAN groups as well the many other groups she was a part of.
With her spirit of giving, Betty welcomed people new to the US and to Athens in to her home. Some were in Athens for to attend Ohio University and needed an interim place to stay, some were refugees from a war torn country coming to Athens to start a new life. Eventually one family she helped named a child after her.
Preceded in death by her parents, brother David, sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Wayne, nephew Kirk and many close friends. She leaves behind her children, Michael (Lisa) Craddock, Lisa (Steve) Craddock Thitoff, and David (Xiao Ling) Craddock; grandchildren Jamie (Drew) Karram, Evelen Craddock (Nick Saros) and Samual Craddock; nephew Terry Sheneman; sister-in-law Marjorie Craddock; niece Tiffany (Brian) Wermund, nephew Alex Davis and several great nieces and nephews and many close friends, as well her beloved felines, Stormy, Shadow, Thunder and Bai Mao.
A celebration of life will be held at the Ohio University Inn, 331 Richland Avenue Athens Ohio 45701 on Sunday, April 12, 1-4 pm.
Donations in Betty’s name can be made to the animal shelter or the food pantry of your choice.