Betty Jeanne Kruger Pfann

WEAVERVILLE - Betty Jeanne Kruger Pfann, age 75 of the Reems Creek Golf Community in Weaverville, NC, passed peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2009 in Asheville, NC. She was born in Octavia, Nebraska on April 30, 1934. She was 75 years young. Betty attended the University of Nebraska, where she was a sister in Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and met her husband, Robert Pfann. They married November 20, 1955 in Schuyler, Nebraska. When Bob joined the United States Army, the Pfanns moved to Fort Benning, Georgia and later Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After leaving the military, Betty and Bob lived in Denver, Colorado, Santa Maria, California, Carlsbad, New Mexico, Bellingham, Washington, Frederick, Maryland, Abingdon, Virginia, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Rowayton, Connecticut and finally retired to Weaverville, North Carolina. Betty was a devoted mother to three children, Randy, Lori and Barry. After Lori and her Fiancee, Michael Beck were killed in a traffic accident caused by a drunk driver, Betty became involved in the Connecticut chapter of MADD, (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Michael's father, Rob Beck, became President of the National Chapter. As the Connecticut spearhead of RID (Remove Intoxicated Drivers), Betty lobbied with Connecticut State Representatives Christopher Dodd, Joe Lieberman and Christopher Shays to enact legislation that increased penalties to those found driving drunk in Connecticut, successfully making violators responsible for their actions. Betty also worked tirelessly counseling victims of drunk drivers and their families to navigate through the court system. Betty was involved with other charities, which included FISH (an organization bringing people in need meals at homes in Norwalk, Connecticut) and Meals On Wheels in Weaverville, NC. Betty's neighbors, past and present, will remember her witty sense of humor and as an avid gardener, who won awards from local garden clubs for her creative landscaping and colorful gardens. She invited others to enjoy their beauty as a part of local garden club tours raising money for local charities. She was a wealth of knowledge on everything horticultural, able to name plants by familiar and Latin names, as well as instruct on their care. Betty is predeceased by her parents, Harry and Lois Kruger of Schuyler, Nebraska, and daughter, Lori Pfann. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert Pfann; sons Randy (married to Ellen) Pfann of Pinehurst, North Carolina, and Barry (married to Malena) Pfann and Granddaughter Emma of Norwalk, Connecticut; Brothers Robert (married to Barbara) Kruger of Mission Viejo, California and Curtis (married to Janice) Kruger of San Carlos, California; as well many cherished nieces and nephews. Arrangements and cremation will be performed by West Funeral Home in Weaverville, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Alzheimer's Association and the Humane Society. www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com