LaVerne Crooks

LaVerne “Tootie” (Houck) Crooks, 83, of Robertsdale, passed away in Bedford at the home of her daughter, Janet and son-in-law, Ric Defibaugh on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

She was born in Huntingdon on September 13, 1938, a daughter of the late Richard E. and Evelyn (Rhoat) Houck. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Doris Leonard of Saxton.

On August 26, 1955, she was united in marriage to Donald L. Crooks, who preceded her in death on October 30, 1999. 

She is survived by six children: Kim (Jodi) Crooks, Gettysburg; Sharon DiCriscio, Saxton; Lori (Jim) Hann, Broad Top; Brenda (Jack) Reed, Cooks; Janet (Ric) Defibaugh, Bedford; and Michael Crooks, Frederick. Grandchildren: Abby (Dan) McGinnis, Adam (Liz) Crooks, Neil (Brandi), Daniel (Ashley), and Anthony (Anna) DiCriscio, James J., Lacee, and Christopher Hann, Ryan Reed, Matt (Mandi) Defibaugh, and Erica (Dan) and Elias Hoover. Great grandchildren: Dalton and Dominic Berry, Caroline McGinnis, Wyatt and Noah Crooks, Maci Defibaugh, Norah Guyer, Ella Coffman, Evie and Rosie DiCriscio, Madeline and Julia DiCriscio, Jordan and Jaxson DiCriscio. She also had many beloved nieces and nephews.

LaVerne was primarily a homemaker, but in her later years worked at Quality Manufacturing in Saxton. She enjoyed crocheting, playing bingo, singing, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, traveling, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed working on the Election Board for Wood Township for many years. 

She attended the Trough Creek Valley Community Church in Eagle Foundry and enjoyed singing in the choir. 

The family wishes to thank caregivers Stacey Hillegas, Donna Jezeskie, Kenzi Wilt, and Rachel Brumbaugh for the loving care they provided in the last six months.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 3 PM to 5 PM at the Curtis A. Heath Funeral Home Inc, Broad Top City.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 11 AM at the Curtis A. Heath funeral Home Inc. Broad Top City, with Pastor Tim Martin officiating. 

Interment will take place at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Broad Top.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of LaVerne Crooks to the RW & BT Fire Company or the RW & BT Ambulance Division.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Curtis A. Heath Funeral Home Inc., 5010 Railroad Ave., Broad Top City, PA 16621. Online condolences can be made at www.caheathfh.com.

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