Elizabeth Maria Reynolds

Elizabeth Maria Croese Reynolds passed away Monday, 18 September 2017 after battling Multiple Sclerosis for over 30 years.

Elizabeth (Betty) was born in Groningen, Netherlands on 26 August 1938 to Dirk Daniel Croese and Elizabeth Maria Kester. As a child, Betty had lived with two families who had come to the United States. She too developed a deep desire to immigrate. In 1956 at the age of 17-speaking nearly no English and travelling alone-she left the Netherlands and made her way to New York City. She then travelled five days by bus to arrive in Utah.

In February of 1957, Betty attended a dance where she met Earl Reynolds from Murray, Utah. A week and a half later they were engaged. Six months later they were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Since that time, Earl and Betty have been completely in love and totally dedicated to each other. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on 21 August 2017.

Education was always very important to Betty. While in the Netherlands, she excelled in school and had earned certificates and diplomas to become trained as a teacher. After arriving in the U.S., she was determined to become a citizen of her adopted homeland. She prepared herself well. In 1964, she took the Oath of Allegiance to become a naturalized citizen. To set an example for her children, Betty attended adult high school and in 1968 earned her high school diploma. She worked part time at a variety of jobs while attending college to learn how to be a file clerk and secretary. This helped her obtain a job at a credit union where she worked for 10 years. Betty also became a licensed instructor in Personology and was an active member of a square dancing club for 14 years.

Betty loved her family and friends. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved teaching the gospel and served for many years as a Sunday school and Primary teacher. She also served in the Primary presidency. She served a full-time mission with Earl in Toms River, New Jersey. They also served together as ordinance workers in the Jordan River Temple for many years. When serving in any calling, Betty diligently and tirelessly served with all her heart.

Betty is survived by her husband Earl Reynolds; her children Lydia (Roger) Neumann, Karen Reynolds, and Aaron (Carolyn) Reynolds; 5 grandchildren: Gary (Mindy) Neumann, Natali (Evan) Hanson, Randy (Robin) Neumann, Andrew (Alysse) Neumann, and Audrey Reynolds; nine great grandchildren; her brother Dirk (Nell, deceased) Croese; sister, An (Jan) Hooijenga Croese, and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Daan Croese; sisters Jantina Leemberg and Dorothea Diana Bredewoud; and one great granddaughter.

Betty is dearly loved and was a great example to us all. We will miss her.

The family expresses deepest gratitude to the staff of Spring Creek Health Center and Horizon Hospice, who respectfully and lovingly cared for Betty; and to Salt Lake County Rides for Wellness, who made it possible for Earl to visit Betty at Spring Creek every week for over 4 years.

A viewing will be held Saturday, September 23 at 1:00 PM, followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM. These services will be held at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street, Midvale UT. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy UT.