Lee Ruth (Dickey) Crabtree

Lee Ruth (Dickey) Crabtree, 91, of Beebe was born on October 22, 1933 in Cave City. She passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024 entering the gates of Heaven. Lee Ruth was the daughter of Charlie Dickey and Mary Knatcal Dickey.

On July 14, 1952, she married Dale Crabtree, and together they enjoyed a beautiful life. In 1954, they built a home on their farm in Walnut Grove, AR, where they lived for 42 years. Lee Ruth graduated from Cave City High School and chose to be a dedicated stay-at-home mom, as well as the privilege of caring for Frank, Suzanne, and Wade Bullington when they were children. She later worked in food service, including at Cord-Charlotte School and other food-related businesses. She was also a proud 4-H sponsor, an active member of the PTA, and faithfully attended all her daughters’ school events. Her commitment to her church was unwavering, and she played piano with great joy.

Lee Ruth had many interests, including cooking, canning, cake decorating, sewing, gardening, reading, and most importantly, spending time with her family. In 1996, she and Dale decided to sell the farm and move to Beebe to be closer to their children. They cherished their time caring for their youngest grandson, Alec, until he started school and continued to be his dedicated drivers for school drop-offs and pickups.

She and her husband Dale were charter members of New Liberty Baptist Church in Beebe.

Lee Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, Huburt and Charles Dickey, and her beloved husband of 65 years, Billie Dale Crabtree.

She leaves behind her two daughters, Janis Matlock (Tommy) of Beebe and Nancy Thompson; her two grandchildren, Zach Thompson (Nicole) and Alec Matlock; her three great-grandchildren, Kerri, Paisley, and Matthew; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will dearly miss her.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 10 a.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel with Tony Crye officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount View Cemetery east of Cave City.

Visitation is Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the Hospice team for all your care.

Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.