Date Of Birth: December 20, 1925
Date Of Death: November 29, 2006
Betty Jean Barnhill Krier, 80, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully November 29, 2006, at St. VincentÂ’s Hospital, surrounded by 15 members of her extensive family. A lifelong Indianapolis resident, she was born on December 20, 1925 to Clara Margaret Eaton Barnhill and Eugene Samuel Barnhill, both of whom preceded her in death. Upon graduation from Broad Ripple High School, Betty Krier was appointed to be a faculty member in the speech and drama department of Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music. While teaching there, she simultaneously was a full-time student at Butler University. Her future husband, William Joseph Krier, was also a student at Butler and they were married on February 12, 1947. Betty and William Krier, who died in 1987, had 11 children. When their youngest child enrolled at St. Mary of the Woods College, Betty likewise decided to enroll at St. MaryÂ’s. She received her bachelorÂ’s degree and worked on a masterÂ’s degree there. She also served as a second grade teacher at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School and at Christ the King Catholic School. She spent 24 years working at Christ the King, where she was also employed as the Director of Religious Education until she retired in 1996. In 1994, in recognition of her service, she received an Outstanding Educator Award from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. As those who knew her will attest, she was a magnificent teacher who taught both formally and by her own example. Though Betty Krier was passionate about her work outside the home, it was family life she adored the most. She was extraordinarily high-spirited and fun-loving, routinely finding time to serve extensively in her childrenÂ’s activities. She was a Den Mother to Cub Scouts, a Girl Scout leader and the writer/director of many award-winning CYO plays. She also enjoyed entertaining and used her familyÂ’s residence as the setting for many legendary parties. On Halloween, for example, her pre-Civil War home was typically turned into an elaborate Haunted House, annually attracting more than 400 trick-or-treaters and more than a few television camera crews. Betty Krier was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a leader in the Christ the King Drama Club, for which she wrote and directed countless presentations for adults. In short, she was an enthusiastic giver, a compassionate doer who was deeply loving and deeply loved. Survivors include a sister (Joanne Shelton of Sun Valley, California), five daughters (Beth Ann Krier, Mary Krier Clayton, Annie Krier Drake, Suzanne Krier Hewitt and Carolyn Krier Friedman) five sons (William J. Krier, George E. Krier, James E. Krier, John M. Krier and Thomas A. Krier), 20 grandchildren (Paul Krier, Michelle Krier Greer, Jennifer Krier, Scott Krier, Brian Krier, Patrick Krier, Jimmy Krier, Michael Krier, Katie Krier, Theresa Krier, Andrew Krier, Matt Krier, Alyson Krier, Stephanie Krier, Lucas Krier, Jason Drake, Lauren Drake, Christopher Hewitt, Max Friedman and Ben Friedman) and one great grandchild (Kaylee Greer). Betty Krier was also preceded in death earlier this year by her son Joseph C. Krier and his wife, Barbara Redding Krier. Visitation will be held Friday, December 1, from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, at Harry W. Moore Family Mortuary Allisonville Road Chapel.Mass will be on Saturday, December 2, at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church.She will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.
Randy Julia Rejer says
We worked together in the Sunday School bringing the donuts and drinks , teaching 4th grade & high school classes and assisting her with “secretarial” duties. She was the reason for our volunteer time in the Sunday School. I always admired her great humor, spirit and strong faith. She has truly been an inspiration in our family. She raised a wonderful family. We know God is with all of you during this time. Rest in peace, Betty.
Douglas L Johnson says
Betty was great. I miss and have missed the bending of the elbow, the laughter, and family around the kitchen table in the old house. Those days passed so quickly and they will never be replaced, but I treasured those memories more than you ever knew.
Doug Johnson
( for) Pam and Doug Johnson.
Garry and Mattie Howard says
Dear Krier Family, Please know our sorrow for your loss and that you are in our prayers.
Love, Garry & Mattie
Chris Hewitt says
I love you Grandma. You will be missed.
Suzanne Krier Hewitt says
Michael Quinn says
Krier family,
Please accept my sincere sorrow for the loss of Betty. As a Christ The King School/Chruch member I know how much Betty contributed. You are all in my prayers. Please accept my apologzies for not being able to visit with you in person as I will be out of town. (Keep your chin up Carolyn, you are in my thoughts) Mike
Nicholas Begovich says
I always liked going to visit Mrs. Krier because she always made me feel at home, always made sure I had something to eat, and was always ready for a game of cards.
Sincerely,
“Nick at Night”
Valerie Eaglin says
Bill, sorry to hear of you Mom’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Val
Rick Cheryl Martinez says
We were so sorry to hear about Mrs. Krier. We did not hear about it until late Saturday morning and are sorry we missed the services. She will be deeply missed. You all have our heartfelt sympathy and we will keep you in our prayers.
Rick & Cheryl
John Haskin says
Dear Krier family; I learned too late of these services to come and personally express my condolences. But I had to let you all know that your mom gently touched and influenced so many kids lives including mine. She was very special and she had the gift to make all of us feel that way. Handsome Herbert Flerbert.
John Haskin says
Dear Krier family; I learned too late of these services to come and personally express my condolences. But I had to let you all know that your mom gently touched and influenced so many kids lives including mine. She was very special and she had the gift to make all of us feel that way. Handsome Herbert Flerbert.
Jan Keith Riley says
Jan & I wish to send our condolences to all of the family. We will miss the smile and laughter and remember all she did for all of us. Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Zetzl Family says
We have many fond memories of Betty and know she is now enjoying the fruits of her labors in her everlasting home. Be assured she is in our prayers. Bob Zetzl Fam.
Tim Joy Vidimos says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. Betty was a wonderful, loving, caring person.
She helped us tremendously when our kids were students at Christ The King. They also enjoyed the Halloweens at your home.
Betsy Nolan says
Betty was a wonderful friend and source of inspiration! She will live in my heart always. Bless all of the Krier’s, what a remarkable family!
Hilli Williams Dunlap says
With loving memories of a wonderful teenage friendship. Tho our contact thru the years was limited to Christmas cards and pictures of our kids, we tried to keep in contact. All my Love to her family. I can only imagine how much you will all miss her. Love, Hilli
Maureen Kavanagh Murphy says
Dear Krier Family,
I have just learned of your mom’s passing and I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you all. She was my second grade teacher at St. Joan of Arc School in 1970-71, and she was also one of my favorite teachers. I still have fond memories of her in Room 8. She was a wonderful teacher who touched the lives of so many children, and she certainly made 2nd grade a special year for me.
My sincerest sympathy,
Maureen Kavanagh Murphy
Kimberly Wissinger Schafer says
The Kriers: Just found out about your loss. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. So many happy childhood memories were made at that house with a very special family. I’m grateful to have known you all. Many Thanks & Blessings Coming Your Way.