Kreutzer, Bettye Ruth (nee Hands)

Bettye passed away 2/25/25 at 88 years old after suffering two strokes in January & February 2025 while living in a Memory Care with progressive cognitive impairment. She was physically functioning up until her first stroke on 1/1/25.

A loving and devoted wife of the late Robert E. Kreutzer Sr., who she was married to for 64 years.  Dear mother of Robert E. (Carol) Kreutzer Jr., Mark C. (Karyn) Kreutzer, Elizabeth M. (Charlie) Sandbach, Janet M. (William) Branch and the late David Kreutzer.  Dear grandmother of Shannon (Roger), Robert III (Carissa), Andrew, Michael, Michelle (Anthony), Matthew (Deanne), Mitchell (Elizabeth), Scott (Michaela) and Lindsey (Chadwick).  Dear great grandmother of Riley, Mason, Braylen, Paisley, Robert IV, Ryker, Norah, Lucy, Elliot, Luke, Eden, Abel, Easton, Lydia, Isaac, Ezra, Hannah, Vivian Ruth, Thomas, Cedric, and Crystal.  Dear daughter of the late Raymond and Elizabeth Hands (nee Archibald).  Dear sister of Russell (Mitzi) Hands and the late Raymond (Kathryn) Hands Jr., Arthur Hands, Paul Hands and Janet (Al) Atherton; she had many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Bettye was born in a house in Maplewood, MO on July 23, 1936 during a record setting heat wave. She grew up in St. Louis City and moved to the County after she got married. She lived on Anchor Drive for 60 years.
In her 20’s and 30’s she was a loving mother and raised up her four children. She became an RN in her 40’s and worked in a hospital ER, a Director of Nursing at a nursing facility, volunteered sitting with the elderly in their homes, and took in her father and an aunt at the end of their lives to care for them in her home.
In her 50’s and 60’s she enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. And she used her seamstress skills to make elaborate costumes of popular characters for them. In her 70’s she loved doing activities with her adult children and grandchildren. She was an avid volunteer for the Salvation Army.
In her 80’s she became a caregiver for her husband. As a widow she enjoyed spending time with her friends, Kay, Marthel, and Delores. She touched many lives with her generosity and compassion. Even while living in a Memory Care, she still took care of her fellow residents as if she was working as a nurse.
Today Bettye is in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is no longer suffering, no more tears or pain. Bettye will be sadly missed!
SERVICES:  Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) on Monday, March 10, 10:00 a.m. until funeral service at 12:00 noon.  Interment Sunset Memorial Park.  Contributions to Samaritan’s Purse appreciated.