Betty Lou Krebs, 81, of South Charleston, peacefully went to be with the Lord and loved ones who preceded her, on September 1, 2009, after a long illness.

Betty was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed many years of traveling and dancing with her husband as well as spending time with family and friends. She had a profound love of animals, especially for her dogs, Zoie and Duchess. She touched the hearts and lives of so many and her smile would always light up a room. She was deeply loved and will be sadly missed.

Betty was born October 6, 1927 in Lory, WV and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School. In 1948, while working at the Diamond Department Store, Betty met and married the love of her life, Jimmy. In addition to being a homemaker and caring mother, Betty and Jimmy owned and operated the Mound and NuWay dry cleaning businesses for over 50 years. Betty managed the Mound and had a deep affection for the employees and customers. She was a member of the WV Dry Cleaning and Launderers Association, the First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston and in recent years received additional comfort and support from St. Timothy's Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J. E. "Jimmy" Krebs, Jr.; two stillborn infant sons; Harold and Elva Pauley, her parents; Wesley and Corna Cline, her caregivers after the passing of her parents; David Pauley, half-brother; Marquetta Harvey, sister-in-law; Zella Moore, aunt; and Patsy Stout, cousin.

Surviving are her loving son and wife, Steve and Jeannie Krebs; sister-in-law and husband, Phyllis and Luther Stowers; brother and wife, Donald and Barbara Pauley, all of Charleston; brother, Sonny Joe Harvey of Sumerco. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Joey (Paula) Gibson, Heather (Josh) Barefield, Candice Krebs, Amy (Bill) King and Freddie Waldron. She has four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their appreciation to all who helped in Betty's care with a special acknowledgement to her good friend, Becky Hager.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2009, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Vicar Mark Lund officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Family and friends may gather from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, September 3, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Donations in honor of Betty may be made to the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV 25311 or to a charity of choice.