Jean R. Crouch

Jean R. Crouch died peacefully in Batesville, Ark. on January 5, 2017 at the age of 86. She is survived by her husband, James P. Crouch, also of Batesville. She leaves a sister, Barbara R. Keedy of Ocala, Fla., as well as her three children, Allen R. Crouch of Batesville, Katherine C. Hughes of Bellevue, Wash., and Laura A. Crouch of Encinitas, CA. Mrs. Crouch also leaves four grandchildren, Amy Crouch-Howard of Bellevue, Neb., Nathan Crouch of Batesville, and Vanessa and Ethan Hughes of Bellevue, Wash. Her five great-grandchildren include Andrew Bradley, Evan and Julianna Howard, and Kallie Lee and Nash Allen Crouch. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, George E. Rutherford. Jean Crouch was born in Batesville, Ark. to George R. and Opal B. Rutherford and graduated from BHS in 1948. She married James P. Crouch in 1948. She pursued two college degrees: a BFA at Arkansas College, 1963, now Lyon College, and a MFA in piano from Southern Methodist University, 1968. Mrs. Crouch taught piano for several decades and served as a church organist and music director for the United Methodist Church and the Church of Christ Scientist. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Daughters of the Confederacy, National Organization for Women, holding local, state, and national positions in almost all of these organizations for many years. Mrs. Crouch was also active in the Batesville Musical Arts Club, the Community Concert organization, and she was a charter officer of the Batesville Area Arts Council. Mrs. Crouch held the title of CFO for Crouch Funeral Home for 25 years, working along side her husband until their retirement in approximately 2003. Jean was a strong advocate for education, equal rights, and was a big supporter of arts education at Lyon College. She spent many volunteer hours at her favorite organizations, city council meetings, and local school board meetings. Mrs. Crouch was always an active member at her chosen interests, whether it was at the community or national level. She was a dedicated docent/ volunteer at Old Independence Regional Museum for several years and she was a favorite worker with several of the museum's younger volunteers. Mrs. Crouch was very formative in acquiring donations for the growth of the museum. A visitation will be held at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville on Sunday, January 8th from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be on Monday, January 9th at 10 a.m. with graveside service following at Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to Lyon College or Independence Regional Museum. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.