Becky Dannels

Becky Dannels, lifelong Savanna resident, was a loving Mother and Grandmother. She made family life fun, always shared her gracious smile, and never stopped rooting for her favorite Chicago Cubs. On Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the age of 80, Becky passed away at home after an extended illness in the care of her loving family and FHN Hospice.

Becky was born October 10, 1941 in Savanna, the daughter of Harold “Bud” and Jean (Doty) Hatfield. She is a 1959 graduate of the Savanna High School where she was involved in cheerleading and was liked by everyone who met her. She was the Track Queen. While in high school she worked as a lifeguard at the old Savanna pool. From a young age, Becky learned the value of work, and also found time to be with family and friends.

She was first married to James Crisci in 1960, and later married Joe Dannels December 31, 1997. She and Joe began dating in 1979 and knew they were right for each other. She helped him at Joe’s Lakeside Fish Market which later became Joe’s Roadhouse Bar. They made a great team as they loved to dance, go fishing on the river, and spend time at the Savanna VFW and of course follow the Chicago Cubs. Joe passed away in 2009.

Becky became a single Mom at a young age, but always made the best of a tough situation. She could be seen playing catch in the yard, getting her son, Bill, ready for little league, or later taking her daughter, Dana shopping for her first dress and who also followed in her footsteps as a cheerleader and loved visiting her at college. She was a very proud Mom, easy going, athletic, could be onery, and sometimes sassy! Her #1 love was her grandchildren, they loved to just hang-out together and listen to Grandma’s stories. She was extremely grateful for her grandson Jake’s help in taking care of her over the years, loved watching Bonnie be so successful with her rodeo queening pageants, was very proud of Payton and loved his hugs and kindness, and takes credit for all of Madison’s athletic ability and of course was beyond proud of her accomplishments in her academics and sports. She also forgives Madison for not going to University of Illinois instead of the University of Iowa.

She worked at Eaton Corp., and bartended at May’s, Canovan’s and later, C.J.’s. Becky was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and the Savanna Moose Lodge.

She will be dearly missed by her son, Bill (Suzy) Crisci of Homedale, Idaho and her daughter, Dana (Jim) Haynes of Savanna; four grandchildren, Jake Crisci, Bonnie (Tanner) Lair, Payton Haynes and Madison Haynes. Becky is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Bill Hatfield.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Law Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, with a reception following at the Savanna Moose Lodge. If you are able to safely attend, please feel free to wear anything with Becky’s beloved Chicago Cubs in her honor.