Beulah Louise Crouse was born April 23, 1906, to Charles Lee and Minnie Louella (Porter) Crouse on a farm in Brushy, Iowa. She died peacefully, at age 102, on May 30, 2008, in her own home at 1203 N. 9th Street; Fort Dodge, Iowa.
As a child Beulah moved with her parents and brother to Fort Dodge where she attended Fort Dodge Schools. She attended the Methodist Church in Duncombe.
She married Frank Earnest Robinson on April 24, 1922. He taught her to play musical instruments, and they began playing and traveling with the Junior Orpheum touring group. They played in Fort Dodge Princess Theater and Orpheum in Omaha, NE. He played saxophone, and she played xylophone. The same saxophone was played by their daughter, Betty, and granddaughter, Sally.
In 1931, Frank died suddenly at the age of 30, leaving her with two young daughters. Beulah rented out rooms in their home, took in laundry, and baked pies to sell. When the girls were in school, she began working at Pappas Fruit Market, Ford Hopkins, Pfaff Bakery, and finally for the Singer Sewing Machine Co. She demonstrated how to use the machine "on the road".
Beulah met John J. Williams, Jr., and they were married on September 12, 1938. He was employed by the U.S. Gypsum Co. in the research department. They later purchased two neighborhood grocery stores, a hotel in Perry, the Snell Apartments in Fort Dodge and the Sunset Mobile Home Court and Motel in Fort Dodge. At the Rainbow Hotel in Perry, Beulah prepared all the meals and cleaned all the rooms.
Beulah was a marvelous cook and generous with her time and resources. She loved her family, friends, food and flowers. She knew how to work hard, but also loved to play with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, garden club, attending events at Iowa Central Community College, Blanden Art Gallery and C. Y. Stephens at Iowa State University.
A special day for grandchildren was getting to stay all night at "Grandma Beulah's". The lucky grandchild was treated to a luxurious bubble bath in the pink tub, fresh and crisply-ironed bedsheets with embroidered pillow cases, a trip to the Boston Store in Fort Dodge for a new outfit or Welch's Shoe Store for new shoes and eating out at a restaurant where one was allowed to order a malt or pie.
She and "Doc" enjoyed many years in their travel trailer and their cabin at Lake Okoboji, Iowa where their neighbors were also named "Doc" and Beulah. They invited family to share vacations at "The Lakes". Grandchildren and their friends enjoyed surf boarding, water skiing, sleeping all night in the lower area of the wooden cabin cruiser boat while it was docked at "Lazy Lagoon", and riding in the boat to Arnold's Park, various beaches and the ice cream store. They traditionally bought favorite treats, "Nutty Bars" and saltwater taffy at Arnold's Park.
Beulah hosted Christmas Eve for family with Swedish Fruit Soup as an appetizer, a full meal for 20 or more people and presents galore. She shopped and wrapped for days, filling an entire bedroom with gifts for everyone. She bought trucks, tractors and books for the boys and entire outfits for the girls (blouse, sweater, skirt, slacks, etc.) and always seemed to get a size, style and color that was perfect for each one. One Christmas she arranged for "Santa Claus" to visit during the family celebration, and he brought new shoes for everyone, and all fit, of course.
She never missed sending a beautiful, specially chosen greeting card for her family and friends' birthdays and other special occasions. She always ordered two-layer champagne birthday cakes from Randall's or Fareway, and they were decorated with frosting flowers.
She attended as many of her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's events as possible. She was adoringly called "Grandma Beulah" by her grandchildren. She and Doc often drove their Cadillac or Lincoln to pull homecoming floats for the Rapp grandchildren's classmates at Jefferson High School. They were the favorite choice for this honor.
Beulah took instruction and was a member of Corpus Christi Church while married to John, who was raised Catholic. She became a member of First Presbyterian Church after his death. She was active in the Women's Club, P.E.O. Chapter MD and the Elizabeth Circle.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church with Barbara Huisman officiating. The message was entitled, "And Everyone Said She Was Just Amazing", and that was true. Beulah accomplished so much through hard work. She had the adoration of her family and anyone who knew her. One never heard her criticize anyone, although she did offer dating advice to attentive grandchildren, and she was always correct. With daily assistance, she still lived independently in her own home until her death at age 102.
Private interment was held in Corpus Christi Cemetery. Visitation was held prior to the funeral from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her only sibling and brother, Orville Crouse; first husband, Frank Robinson; son-in-law, Alvin Rapp; second husband, John J. Williams; daughter, Betty Rapp Tuttle; son-in-law, Floyd Tuttle; and granddaughter, Judy Rapp Bass.
Survivors include one daughter Lillie Mae (Arnold) Clausen of Fort Dodge; seven adoring grandchildren: Sally (Kim) Beisser, Robert Clausen, Marilynn (Bruce) Buxton, Mary (Paul) Zierke, Marc (Julie) Clausen, John (Kathy) Rapp and David Clausen, 12 great grandchildren: John Bass, Jennifer Hahn, Craig Buxton, Andrea Beisser, Dianna Zierke, Dale Buxton, Sarah Beisser, Amy Clausen, Megan Rapp, Allison Rapp, Susan Clausen and Kelly Rapp; two great-great grandchildren: Kylie Bass and Zachary Bass. She was so looking forwarding to the arrival of another great-great grandchild in September (Seth Buxton).
In lieu of flowers, memorials were left to the discretion of the family. Lilac bushes will be planted at Kennedy Park, Snell Park and various locations in Fort Dodge.
Gunderson Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
______________________________________________________
1910 United States Federal Census
Home in 1910: Washington, Webster, Iowa
Father: Charley Crouse b. Iowa; Mother: Minnie Crouse b. Iowa
Household Members:
Charley Crouse 36 and Minnie Crouse 34
Oneal Crouse 7 [Orville], Beulah Crouse 3
Geo Porter 27 (uncle/hired hand, tile ditcher)
Neighbors: Delos and Carrie Porter (Minnie's parents - own income) and Robert; Arthur and Cecil Coats (Minnie's sister - farmer) and Ralph; Andrew J Crouse (living with Thearon and Rilla Pratt, Blanche and Earl)
1920 United States Federal Census
Home in 1920: Washington, Webster, Iowa
Household Members:
Charles Crouse 46 and Minnie Crouse 41
Orville Crouse 17, Buelah Crouse 13
Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925
Marital Status: Married
Census Date: 1 Jan 1925
Residence: Wahkonsa, Webster, Iowa
Mother: Minnie Porter b. abt 1875; Father: Chas L Crouse b. abt 1875
Marriage Place: Iowa
Spouse Name: Frank R Robinson
Household Members:
Frank R Robinson 23 and Beulah Robinson 19
Betty Ann Robinson 2
1930 United States Federal Census
Home in 1930: Cooper, Webster, Iowa
Household Members:
C L Crouse 53 (father) divorced
Frank Robinson 28 and Beulah Robinson 23
Betty A Robinson 6, Lilly M Robinson 6/12
1940 United States Federal Census
Marital status: Married
Home in 1940: 716 Westover Avenue; Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas
Residence in 1935: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Highest Grade Completed: HS, 4th year
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members:
John Williams 37 and Bewlah Williams 32 (Beulah)
Betty Robinson 16, Lilie May Robinson 10
U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1
Name: Beulah L Williams
Birth Date: 23 Apr 1906
Address: 1203 N 9th St, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501-2517 (1988)
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-Current
Name: Beulah L. Williams
Last Residence: Fort Dodge, Webster, Iowa 50501
Born: 23 Apr 1906
Died: 30 May 2008
State (Year) SSN issued: Minnesota (Before 1951)
As a child Beulah moved with her parents and brother to Fort Dodge where she attended Fort Dodge Schools. She attended the Methodist Church in Duncombe.
She married Frank Earnest Robinson on April 24, 1922. He taught her to play musical instruments, and they began playing and traveling with the Junior Orpheum touring group. They played in Fort Dodge Princess Theater and Orpheum in Omaha, NE. He played saxophone, and she played xylophone. The same saxophone was played by their daughter, Betty, and granddaughter, Sally.
In 1931, Frank died suddenly at the age of 30, leaving her with two young daughters. Beulah rented out rooms in their home, took in laundry, and baked pies to sell. When the girls were in school, she began working at Pappas Fruit Market, Ford Hopkins, Pfaff Bakery, and finally for the Singer Sewing Machine Co. She demonstrated how to use the machine "on the road".
Beulah met John J. Williams, Jr., and they were married on September 12, 1938. He was employed by the U.S. Gypsum Co. in the research department. They later purchased two neighborhood grocery stores, a hotel in Perry, the Snell Apartments in Fort Dodge and the Sunset Mobile Home Court and Motel in Fort Dodge. At the Rainbow Hotel in Perry, Beulah prepared all the meals and cleaned all the rooms.
Beulah was a marvelous cook and generous with her time and resources. She loved her family, friends, food and flowers. She knew how to work hard, but also loved to play with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, garden club, attending events at Iowa Central Community College, Blanden Art Gallery and C. Y. Stephens at Iowa State University.
A special day for grandchildren was getting to stay all night at "Grandma Beulah's". The lucky grandchild was treated to a luxurious bubble bath in the pink tub, fresh and crisply-ironed bedsheets with embroidered pillow cases, a trip to the Boston Store in Fort Dodge for a new outfit or Welch's Shoe Store for new shoes and eating out at a restaurant where one was allowed to order a malt or pie.
She and "Doc" enjoyed many years in their travel trailer and their cabin at Lake Okoboji, Iowa where their neighbors were also named "Doc" and Beulah. They invited family to share vacations at "The Lakes". Grandchildren and their friends enjoyed surf boarding, water skiing, sleeping all night in the lower area of the wooden cabin cruiser boat while it was docked at "Lazy Lagoon", and riding in the boat to Arnold's Park, various beaches and the ice cream store. They traditionally bought favorite treats, "Nutty Bars" and saltwater taffy at Arnold's Park.
Beulah hosted Christmas Eve for family with Swedish Fruit Soup as an appetizer, a full meal for 20 or more people and presents galore. She shopped and wrapped for days, filling an entire bedroom with gifts for everyone. She bought trucks, tractors and books for the boys and entire outfits for the girls (blouse, sweater, skirt, slacks, etc.) and always seemed to get a size, style and color that was perfect for each one. One Christmas she arranged for "Santa Claus" to visit during the family celebration, and he brought new shoes for everyone, and all fit, of course.
She never missed sending a beautiful, specially chosen greeting card for her family and friends' birthdays and other special occasions. She always ordered two-layer champagne birthday cakes from Randall's or Fareway, and they were decorated with frosting flowers.
She attended as many of her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's events as possible. She was adoringly called "Grandma Beulah" by her grandchildren. She and Doc often drove their Cadillac or Lincoln to pull homecoming floats for the Rapp grandchildren's classmates at Jefferson High School. They were the favorite choice for this honor.
Beulah took instruction and was a member of Corpus Christi Church while married to John, who was raised Catholic. She became a member of First Presbyterian Church after his death. She was active in the Women's Club, P.E.O. Chapter MD and the Elizabeth Circle.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church with Barbara Huisman officiating. The message was entitled, "And Everyone Said She Was Just Amazing", and that was true. Beulah accomplished so much through hard work. She had the adoration of her family and anyone who knew her. One never heard her criticize anyone, although she did offer dating advice to attentive grandchildren, and she was always correct. With daily assistance, she still lived independently in her own home until her death at age 102.
Private interment was held in Corpus Christi Cemetery. Visitation was held prior to the funeral from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her only sibling and brother, Orville Crouse; first husband, Frank Robinson; son-in-law, Alvin Rapp; second husband, John J. Williams; daughter, Betty Rapp Tuttle; son-in-law, Floyd Tuttle; and granddaughter, Judy Rapp Bass.
Survivors include one daughter Lillie Mae (Arnold) Clausen of Fort Dodge; seven adoring grandchildren: Sally (Kim) Beisser, Robert Clausen, Marilynn (Bruce) Buxton, Mary (Paul) Zierke, Marc (Julie) Clausen, John (Kathy) Rapp and David Clausen, 12 great grandchildren: John Bass, Jennifer Hahn, Craig Buxton, Andrea Beisser, Dianna Zierke, Dale Buxton, Sarah Beisser, Amy Clausen, Megan Rapp, Allison Rapp, Susan Clausen and Kelly Rapp; two great-great grandchildren: Kylie Bass and Zachary Bass. She was so looking forwarding to the arrival of another great-great grandchild in September (Seth Buxton).
In lieu of flowers, memorials were left to the discretion of the family. Lilac bushes will be planted at Kennedy Park, Snell Park and various locations in Fort Dodge.
Gunderson Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
______________________________________________________
1910 United States Federal Census
Home in 1910: Washington, Webster, Iowa
Father: Charley Crouse b. Iowa; Mother: Minnie Crouse b. Iowa
Household Members:
Charley Crouse 36 and Minnie Crouse 34
Oneal Crouse 7 [Orville], Beulah Crouse 3
Geo Porter 27 (uncle/hired hand, tile ditcher)
Neighbors: Delos and Carrie Porter (Minnie's parents - own income) and Robert; Arthur and Cecil Coats (Minnie's sister - farmer) and Ralph; Andrew J Crouse (living with Thearon and Rilla Pratt, Blanche and Earl)
1920 United States Federal Census
Home in 1920: Washington, Webster, Iowa
Household Members:
Charles Crouse 46 and Minnie Crouse 41
Orville Crouse 17, Buelah Crouse 13
Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925
Marital Status: Married
Census Date: 1 Jan 1925
Residence: Wahkonsa, Webster, Iowa
Mother: Minnie Porter b. abt 1875; Father: Chas L Crouse b. abt 1875
Marriage Place: Iowa
Spouse Name: Frank R Robinson
Household Members:
Frank R Robinson 23 and Beulah Robinson 19
Betty Ann Robinson 2
1930 United States Federal Census
Home in 1930: Cooper, Webster, Iowa
Household Members:
C L Crouse 53 (father) divorced
Frank Robinson 28 and Beulah Robinson 23
Betty A Robinson 6, Lilly M Robinson 6/12
1940 United States Federal Census
Marital status: Married
Home in 1940: 716 Westover Avenue; Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas
Residence in 1935: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Highest Grade Completed: HS, 4th year
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members:
John Williams 37 and Bewlah Williams 32 (Beulah)
Betty Robinson 16, Lilie May Robinson 10
U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1
Name: Beulah L Williams
Birth Date: 23 Apr 1906
Address: 1203 N 9th St, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501-2517 (1988)
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-Current
Name: Beulah L. Williams
Last Residence: Fort Dodge, Webster, Iowa 50501
Born: 23 Apr 1906
Died: 30 May 2008
State (Year) SSN issued: Minnesota (Before 1951)
Beulah Louise Crouse was born April 23, 1906, to Charles Lee and Minnie Louella (Porter) Crouse on a farm in Brushy, Iowa. She died peacefully, at age 102, on May 30, 2008, in her own home at 1203 N. 9th Street; Fort Dodge, Iowa.
As a child Beulah moved with her parents and brother to Fort Dodge where she attended Fort Dodge Schools. She attended the Methodist Church in Duncombe.
She married Frank Earnest Robinson on April 24, 1922. He taught her to play musical instruments, and they began playing and traveling with the Junior Orpheum touring group. They played in Fort Dodge Princess Theater and Orpheum in Omaha, NE. He played saxophone, and she played xylophone. The same saxophone was played by their daughter, Betty, and granddaughter, Sally.
In 1931, Frank died suddenly at the age of 30, leaving her with two young daughters. Beulah rented out rooms in their home, took in laundry, and baked pies to sell. When the girls were in school, she began working at Pappas Fruit Market, Ford Hopkins, Pfaff Bakery, and finally for the Singer Sewing Machine Co. She demonstrated how to use the machine "on the road".
Beulah met John J. Williams, Jr., and they were married on September 12, 1938. He was employed by the U.S. Gypsum Co. in the research department. They later purchased two neighborhood grocery stores, a hotel in Perry, the Snell Apartments in Fort Dodge and the Sunset Mobile Home Court and Motel in Fort Dodge. At the Rainbow Hotel in Perry, Beulah prepared all the meals and cleaned all the rooms.
Beulah was a marvelous cook and generous with her time and resources. She loved her family, friends, food and flowers. She knew how to work hard, but also loved to play with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, garden club, attending events at Iowa Central Community College, Blanden Art Gallery and C. Y. Stephens at Iowa State University.
A special day for grandchildren was getting to stay all night at "Grandma Beulah's". The lucky grandchild was treated to a luxurious bubble bath in the pink tub, fresh and crisply-ironed bedsheets with embroidered pillow cases, a trip to the Boston Store in Fort Dodge for a new outfit or Welch's Shoe Store for new shoes and eating out at a restaurant where one was allowed to order a malt or pie.
She and "Doc" enjoyed many years in their travel trailer and their cabin at Lake Okoboji, Iowa where their neighbors were also named "Doc" and Beulah. They invited family to share vacations at "The Lakes". Grandchildren and their friends enjoyed surf boarding, water skiing, sleeping all night in the lower area of the wooden cabin cruiser boat while it was docked at "Lazy Lagoon", and riding in the boat to Arnold's Park, various beaches and the ice cream store. They traditionally bought favorite treats, "Nutty Bars" and saltwater taffy at Arnold's Park.
Beulah hosted Christmas Eve for family with Swedish Fruit Soup as an appetizer, a full meal for 20 or more people and presents galore. She shopped and wrapped for days, filling an entire bedroom with gifts for everyone. She bought trucks, tractors and books for the boys and entire outfits for the girls (blouse, sweater, skirt, slacks, etc.) and always seemed to get a size, style and color that was perfect for each one. One Christmas she arranged for "Santa Claus" to visit during the family celebration, and he brought new shoes for everyone, and all fit, of course.
She never missed sending a beautiful, specially chosen greeting card for her family and friends' birthdays and other special occasions. She always ordered two-layer champagne birthday cakes from Randall's or Fareway, and they were decorated with frosting flowers.
She attended as many of her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's events as possible. She was adoringly called "Grandma Beulah" by her grandchildren. She and Doc often drove their Cadillac or Lincoln to pull homecoming floats for the Rapp grandchildren's classmates at Jefferson High School. They were the favorite choice for this honor.
Beulah took instruction and was a member of Corpus Christi Church while married to John, who was raised Catholic. She became a member of First Presbyterian Church after his death. She was active in the Women's Club, P.E.O. Chapter MD and the Elizabeth Circle.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church with Barbara Huisman officiating. The message was entitled, "And Everyone Said She Was Just Amazing", and that was true. Beulah accomplished so much through hard work. She had the adoration of her family and anyone who knew her. One never heard her criticize anyone, although she did offer dating advice to attentive grandchildren, and she was always correct. With daily assistance, she still lived independently in her own home until her death at age 102.
Private interment was held in Corpus Christi Cemetery. Visitation was held prior to the funeral from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her only sibling and brother, Orville Crouse; first husband, Frank Robinson; son-in-law, Alvin Rapp; second husband, John J. Williams; daughter, Betty Rapp Tuttle; son-in-law, Floyd Tuttle; and granddaughter, Judy Rapp Bass.
Survivors include one daughter Lillie Mae (Arnold) Clausen of Fort Dodge; seven adoring grandchildren: Sally (Kim) Beisser, Robert Clausen, Marilynn (Bruce) Buxton, Mary (Paul) Zierke, Marc (Julie) Clausen, John (Kathy) Rapp and David Clausen, 12 great grandchildren: John Bass, Jennifer Hahn, Craig Buxton, Andrea Beisser, Dianna Zierke, Dale Buxton, Sarah Beisser, Amy Clausen, Megan Rapp, Allison Rapp, Susan Clausen and Kelly Rapp; two great-great grandchildren: Kylie Bass and Zachary Bass. She was so looking forwarding to the arrival of another great-great grandchild in September (Seth Buxton).
In lieu of flowers, memorials were left to the discretion of the family. Lilac bushes will be planted at Kennedy Park, Snell Park and various locations in Fort Dodge.
Gunderson Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
______________________________________________________
1910 United States Federal Census
Home in 1910: Washington, Webster, Iowa
Father: Charley Crouse b. Iowa; Mother: Minnie Crouse b. Iowa
Household Members:
Charley Crouse 36 and Minnie Crouse 34
Oneal Crouse 7 [Orville], Beulah Crouse 3
Geo Porter 27 (uncle/hired hand, tile ditcher)
Neighbors: Delos and Carrie Porter (Minnie's parents - own income) and Robert; Arthur and Cecil Coats (Minnie's sister - farmer) and Ralph; Andrew J Crouse (living with Thearon and Rilla Pratt, Blanche and Earl)
1920 United States Federal Census
Home in 1920: Washington, Webster, Iowa
Household Members:
Charles Crouse 46 and Minnie Crouse 41
Orville Crouse 17, Buelah Crouse 13
Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925
Marital Status: Married
Census Date: 1 Jan 1925
Residence: Wahkonsa, Webster, Iowa
Mother: Minnie Porter b. abt 1875; Father: Chas L Crouse b. abt 1875
Marriage Place: Iowa
Spouse Name: Frank R Robinson
Household Members:
Frank R Robinson 23 and Beulah Robinson 19
Betty Ann Robinson 2
1930 United States Federal Census
Home in 1930: Cooper, Webster, Iowa
Household Members:
C L Crouse 53 (father) divorced
Frank Robinson 28 and Beulah Robinson 23
Betty A Robinson 6, Lilly M Robinson 6/12
1940 United States Federal Census
Marital status: Married
Home in 1940: 716 Westover Avenue; Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas
Residence in 1935: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Highest Grade Completed: HS, 4th year
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members:
John Williams 37 and Bewlah Williams 32 (Beulah)
Betty Robinson 16, Lilie May Robinson 10
U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1
Name: Beulah L Williams
Birth Date: 23 Apr 1906
Address: 1203 N 9th St, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501-2517 (1988)
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-Current
Name: Beulah L. Williams
Last Residence: Fort Dodge, Webster, Iowa 50501
Born: 23 Apr 1906
Died: 30 May 2008
State (Year) SSN issued: Minnesota (Before 1951)
As a child Beulah moved with her parents and brother to Fort Dodge where she attended Fort Dodge Schools. She attended the Methodist Church in Duncombe.
She married Frank Earnest Robinson on April 24, 1922. He taught her to play musical instruments, and they began playing and traveling with the Junior Orpheum touring group. They played in Fort Dodge Princess Theater and Orpheum in Omaha, NE. He played saxophone, and she played xylophone. The same saxophone was played by their daughter, Betty, and granddaughter, Sally.
In 1931, Frank died suddenly at the age of 30, leaving her with two young daughters. Beulah rented out rooms in their home, took in laundry, and baked pies to sell. When the girls were in school, she began working at Pappas Fruit Market, Ford Hopkins, Pfaff Bakery, and finally for the Singer Sewing Machine Co. She demonstrated how to use the machine "on the road".
Beulah met John J. Williams, Jr., and they were married on September 12, 1938. He was employed by the U.S. Gypsum Co. in the research department. They later purchased two neighborhood grocery stores, a hotel in Perry, the Snell Apartments in Fort Dodge and the Sunset Mobile Home Court and Motel in Fort Dodge. At the Rainbow Hotel in Perry, Beulah prepared all the meals and cleaned all the rooms.
Beulah was a marvelous cook and generous with her time and resources. She loved her family, friends, food and flowers. She knew how to work hard, but also loved to play with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, garden club, attending events at Iowa Central Community College, Blanden Art Gallery and C. Y. Stephens at Iowa State University.
A special day for grandchildren was getting to stay all night at "Grandma Beulah's". The lucky grandchild was treated to a luxurious bubble bath in the pink tub, fresh and crisply-ironed bedsheets with embroidered pillow cases, a trip to the Boston Store in Fort Dodge for a new outfit or Welch's Shoe Store for new shoes and eating out at a restaurant where one was allowed to order a malt or pie.
She and "Doc" enjoyed many years in their travel trailer and their cabin at Lake Okoboji, Iowa where their neighbors were also named "Doc" and Beulah. They invited family to share vacations at "The Lakes". Grandchildren and their friends enjoyed surf boarding, water skiing, sleeping all night in the lower area of the wooden cabin cruiser boat while it was docked at "Lazy Lagoon", and riding in the boat to Arnold's Park, various beaches and the ice cream store. They traditionally bought favorite treats, "Nutty Bars" and saltwater taffy at Arnold's Park.
Beulah hosted Christmas Eve for family with Swedish Fruit Soup as an appetizer, a full meal for 20 or more people and presents galore. She shopped and wrapped for days, filling an entire bedroom with gifts for everyone. She bought trucks, tractors and books for the boys and entire outfits for the girls (blouse, sweater, skirt, slacks, etc.) and always seemed to get a size, style and color that was perfect for each one. One Christmas she arranged for "Santa Claus" to visit during the family celebration, and he brought new shoes for everyone, and all fit, of course.
She never missed sending a beautiful, specially chosen greeting card for her family and friends' birthdays and other special occasions. She always ordered two-layer champagne birthday cakes from Randall's or Fareway, and they were decorated with frosting flowers.
She attended as many of her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's events as possible. She was adoringly called "Grandma Beulah" by her grandchildren. She and Doc often drove their Cadillac or Lincoln to pull homecoming floats for the Rapp grandchildren's classmates at Jefferson High School. They were the favorite choice for this honor.
Beulah took instruction and was a member of Corpus Christi Church while married to John, who was raised Catholic. She became a member of First Presbyterian Church after his death. She was active in the Women's Club, P.E.O. Chapter MD and the Elizabeth Circle.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church with Barbara Huisman officiating. The message was entitled, "And Everyone Said She Was Just Amazing", and that was true. Beulah accomplished so much through hard work. She had the adoration of her family and anyone who knew her. One never heard her criticize anyone, although she did offer dating advice to attentive grandchildren, and she was always correct. With daily assistance, she still lived independently in her own home until her death at age 102.
Private interment was held in Corpus Christi Cemetery. Visitation was held prior to the funeral from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her only sibling and brother, Orville Crouse; first husband, Frank Robinson; son-in-law, Alvin Rapp; second husband, John J. Williams; daughter, Betty Rapp Tuttle; son-in-law, Floyd Tuttle; and granddaughter, Judy Rapp Bass.
Survivors include one daughter Lillie Mae (Arnold) Clausen of Fort Dodge; seven adoring grandchildren: Sally (Kim) Beisser, Robert Clausen, Marilynn (Bruce) Buxton, Mary (Paul) Zierke, Marc (Julie) Clausen, John (Kathy) Rapp and David Clausen, 12 great grandchildren: John Bass, Jennifer Hahn, Craig Buxton, Andrea Beisser, Dianna Zierke, Dale Buxton, Sarah Beisser, Amy Clausen, Megan Rapp, Allison Rapp, Susan Clausen and Kelly Rapp; two great-great grandchildren: Kylie Bass and Zachary Bass. She was so looking forwarding to the arrival of another great-great grandchild in September (Seth Buxton).
In lieu of flowers, memorials were left to the discretion of the family. Lilac bushes will be planted at Kennedy Park, Snell Park and various locations in Fort Dodge.
Gunderson Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
______________________________________________________
1910 United States Federal Census
Home in 1910: Washington, Webster, Iowa
Father: Charley Crouse b. Iowa; Mother: Minnie Crouse b. Iowa
Household Members:
Charley Crouse 36 and Minnie Crouse 34
Oneal Crouse 7 [Orville], Beulah Crouse 3
Geo Porter 27 (uncle/hired hand, tile ditcher)
Neighbors: Delos and Carrie Porter (Minnie's parents - own income) and Robert; Arthur and Cecil Coats (Minnie's sister - farmer) and Ralph; Andrew J Crouse (living with Thearon and Rilla Pratt, Blanche and Earl)
1920 United States Federal Census
Home in 1920: Washington, Webster, Iowa
Household Members:
Charles Crouse 46 and Minnie Crouse 41
Orville Crouse 17, Buelah Crouse 13
Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925
Marital Status: Married
Census Date: 1 Jan 1925
Residence: Wahkonsa, Webster, Iowa
Mother: Minnie Porter b. abt 1875; Father: Chas L Crouse b. abt 1875
Marriage Place: Iowa
Spouse Name: Frank R Robinson
Household Members:
Frank R Robinson 23 and Beulah Robinson 19
Betty Ann Robinson 2
1930 United States Federal Census
Home in 1930: Cooper, Webster, Iowa
Household Members:
C L Crouse 53 (father) divorced
Frank Robinson 28 and Beulah Robinson 23
Betty A Robinson 6, Lilly M Robinson 6/12
1940 United States Federal Census
Marital status: Married
Home in 1940: 716 Westover Avenue; Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas
Residence in 1935: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Highest Grade Completed: HS, 4th year
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members:
John Williams 37 and Bewlah Williams 32 (Beulah)
Betty Robinson 16, Lilie May Robinson 10
U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1
Name: Beulah L Williams
Birth Date: 23 Apr 1906
Address: 1203 N 9th St, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501-2517 (1988)
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-Current
Name: Beulah L. Williams
Last Residence: Fort Dodge, Webster, Iowa 50501
Born: 23 Apr 1906
Died: 30 May 2008
State (Year) SSN issued: Minnesota (Before 1951)
Family Members
Siblings
See more Robinson Williams or Crouse memorials in:
- Corpus Christi Cemetery Robinson Williams or Crouse
- Fort Dodge Robinson Williams or Crouse
- Webster County Robinson Williams or Crouse
- Iowa Robinson Williams or Crouse
- USA Robinson Williams or Crouse
- Find a Grave Robinson Williams or Crouse
