Elizabeth "Sue" Crabtree

Elizabeth “Sue” Fields Crabtree was born May 2, 1940, in Bentonville, Arkansas to The Honorable William Ray “Bill” Fields and Marjorie Hatcher Fields. Sue, 82, passed away peacefully at her home on May 25, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jimmie Crabtree; daughters, Beth Pippin (Ken) of Denver, CO, Brenda Wyatt (Ted Power) of Bentonville, and Angela Burleson (David) of North Little Rock; grandchildren, Michael Stubbs of Bentonville, Lindsey Bratton (Ryan) of Bella Vista, Chelsey Pippin (Zacharie Mizzi) of Brighton, UK, Jake Wyatt (Sammy Jo Thompson) of Bentonville, Cloe Pippin (Brady Koetting) of Cambridge, MA, Alyssa Burleson (Drew Kuebler) of North Little Rock, Lexie Burleson of Bentonville, Leah Burleson of Little Rock; sister, Sharron Wooldridge (Sam) of Bentonville and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sue has been joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents, and sisters Donna Fields Pyle and Sandra Fields.

A graduate of Bentonville High School in 1958, she played the clarinet in the band and remained an active alumna throughout her life. She attended Phillips University in Enid, OK as an English major.

In the Summer of 1961, she was invited to a Crabtree family camping trip by her cousin where she met the love of her life, Jimmie Crabtree, who was smitten with her red hair, beautiful smile, and gentle demeanor, as well as her fun and sharp wit. They married three months later and moved to Bartlesville, OK. The young couple had three daughters before returning to Bentonville in 1970, purchasing Western Auto, and operating it for 30 years. As a homemaker, she lovingly provided a warm, nurturing and inviting home for her family, extended family, and friends.

Sue was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bentonville where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and was active in several women’s groups. As a faithful Christian, she was passionate about social justice and the inclusiveness of Christ’s love for all.

Some of her other passions included scrapbooking, reading, Bentonville history, British mystery shows, the Democratic Party, Razorback sports, her beloved dog Lily, and anything involving her precious grandchildren.

“Love you more.”

A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Bentonville on Thursday, June 9th. Visitation at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sue’s name may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief at :https://umcmission.org/give-to-umcor/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callisonloughfh.com for the Crabtree family.