Delvina Marie Crumbaugh, 62, passed away unexpectedly on August 22nd, 2025 in Joplin Missouri. Though she had experienced health challenges in recent years, Delvina held hope for a full recovery and spoke often of plans for the future. She was born on September 9th, 1963 in Joplin Missouri to Charles Miller Crumbaugh II and Dollie Irene Gates.

Delvina is preceded in death by her father Charles Miller Crumbaugh II; uncle Larry Neal Bailey, brother to Charles; paternal grandparents James Charles Crumbaugh and Edna Mae Bailey Crumbaugh; maternal grandparents Jake Gates, Bernice Arment Gates Malone, and step-grandfather Raymond Malone; and countless beloved pets.

She is survived by her mother Dollie Irene Gates of Joplin; sisters Annie Crumbaugh of Springfield and Eleanor Crumbaugh of Springfield; cousin Carrie Gourley of Joplin; cousin Danna Bailey-Watts of Huntington TX; extended family in Joplin and Texas; and countless friends and loved ones.

Delvina was guided by curiosity and an unshakable desire to see as much of the world as she could. She traveled to many places and lived in Joplin, Kansas City, Springfield, Seattle WA, Coeur d'Alene ID, and abroad in Spain—each place she lived and visited, every new city, every culture, and varied landscape became a part of her story.

She loved animals more than almost anything, and “animals” meant all of them. Not just the beloved pets that shared her life, but all living creatures - from the big and beautiful ones to the smallest overlooked insect and everything in between. Delvina believed every living animal deserved respect and protection. She also held a great passion for nature, genealogy, history, architecture, politics, and art.

Delvina was deeply passionate about human rights, with a particular commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, and AIDS education. During the years that Del lived in Spain, she devoted her time to volunteering as an AIDS educator, working to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those affected. Her compassion, courage, and belief in dignity for all people shaped her life, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she served.

Delvina was outspoken, hard-headed, and completely unafraid to stand her ground or of an argument. She spoke with conviction, defended the voiceless, and lived her values unapologetically. If she believed in something, she stood firm. Those who knew her will remember her sharp wit, strong opinions, and the deep passion that fueled both. They will likely remember her ability to talk - and we do mean a lot, Del was a gifted conversationalist. She loved to spend time theorizing, contemplating, analyzing, digging deep and she loved to hear what others believed and thought. She loved a good cup of coffee with delicious heavy cream and going out to eat. She loved a home cooked meal, as well, although she did not enjoy the cooking part herself. If you knew her and closed your eyes, you can probably hear her raspy laugh. You can likely see the way she twirled a strand of her long, blonde hair around her fingertip, or how she would pull her hair up to the top of her head and wrap it in a bun without a rubber band or a single bobby pin. 

Del lived honestly, and left an impression that cannot be softened or forgotten. Her voice, her principles, and her unmistakable presence will be missed beyond measure. Delvina will live on in all of those whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Delvina's name to your local no kill animal rescue.

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