Beulah Marie (Haupt) Crites

Beulah Marie Crites peacefully passed from this life on April 22, 2025, at the age of 91. She was surrounded by her family. As Beulah neared death, she was cared for by Journey Hospice at Chateau Girardeau.

Beulah was born on March 10,1934 to Robert Francis and Maggie Mae (Moore) Haupt. Beulah was the seventh living child at the time. She grew up with sisters Mary, Elsie and Mollie and brothers, Johnnie, Roy and Frank. She lived a happy farm life in Kurreville, Mo (Oak Ridge area). As a family, they attended Caney Fork Baptist Church. At 10 years old, Beulah was baptized in a creek during a revival at the church. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1951.

Beulah married Walter "Ott" Crites that same year. Beulah and Ott had five children. Bradley (Alice) Crites of Poplar Bluff, Mo, Brent (Lisa) Crites of Jackson, MO, Bruce Crites of Poplar Bluff, Mo. and Beth Ann (Todd) Gohn, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.

She was also blessed with seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include David (Stephanie) Crites, Heidi Rauh Oslund (Dale), Autumn Gohn, Ikaika Gohn, Madison Crites and Taylor (Tyke) Schubert.

She was preceded in death by her husband Walter "Ott" in 1995, a daughter and son-in-law Robert and Beverly Rauh of Jackson, MO, and a grandson Bryan Crites of Poplar Bluff, MO.

Beulah worked hard all her life. On the farm as a child and as a new bride, Beulah began life as a hog farmer. The hogs all got pneumonia and died. Next came the chicken farm. Beulah was responsible for 10, 000 chickens while Ott was working outside the farm. Now they packed up and moved to Arkansas and Beulah began to sell Tupperware. In 1973, they moved to Jackson, and she begins to work for the Jackson R2 School District as a cook at the Junior High School in 1977. She worked there until she retired in 2001. The children all loved her because they remembered a kind and loving woman who let no child go hungry.

Since moving back to Jackson, Beulah was a member of First Baptist Church of Jackson where she served on the Bereavement Meal Committee for many years and was a dedicated Sunday School member. For many years, Beulah served snacks to the little children during Vacation Bible School. Beulah was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially in the kitchen. She loved to cook and bake. She especially baked cakes and cookies for her family. Anytime they would visit, there would always be cake or cookies on the counter. She definitely enjoyed their sweet smiles as they entered through her door. Beulah loved to garden and tend to her flower beds.

Beulah's celebration of life will be Saturday April 26 at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Visitation will take place 9:00-11:00 and service following with Brother Troy Richards and Brother Randy Riley officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorial gifts can be given to First Baptist Church of Jackson or Journey Hospice, Perryville, MO.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Beulah's obituary at mccombsfuneralhome.com.