Barbara M. Craig, age 86, of Turlock, California, died on July 30, 2023, at the Vintage Faire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Modesto, California.
Barbara Marlene Stevens, was born on October 4, 1936, in Coatsfield, Nebraska, to Henry and Ida Grace (Timmons) Stevens, a farming family who had the typical struggles that so many depression-era families faced, this would include crop and farm failures, frequent moves, health concerns and financial struggles. These challenging times included having to pick up cow-chips to burn for cooking and heating and her mother made clothes and dresses from feed and flour sacks. Barbara was the youngest of three daughters, with sisters Jane and Corrine. The family lived in various communities in Nebraska and Kansas throughout her youth and they attended a Free Methodist Church that her dad help build. Following her graduation, Barbara attended Central College for two years.
Barbara was united in marriage to Orland Craig and this union was blessed with two children: Kevin and Yvonne. Orland was involved in education which took the family to New Mexico, Illinois and Arizona. While living in Arizona, Orland earned his Masters Degree and Barbara was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Kevin and Yvonne remember their mother hosting great birthday parties as they were growing up. After her children had graduated, Barbara furthered her education at Stanislaus College in Turlock in 1989 where she attained her teaching degree. Barbara was a reading specialist who loved children and she herself was a life-long learner She enjoyed her teaching career for 8 years.
Special interests of Barbara’s included gardening and being outdoors. She was an active member of the Monte Vista Chapel Church in Turlock where she attended many Bible Studies, took part in the Monday Night Evangelism ministry, was a member of the One Way Class and she shared her love for Christ with those she met. Faith was a very integral part of Barbara’s life and her desire was for all of her grandchildren to come to know Christ as their personal Savior.
Barbara’s life is remembered and celebrated by her family which include her two children: Kevin and Gina Craig of Ceres, California and their two sons: Joshua and Jacob, Yvonne and Matthew Smith of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their children: Kinsey Houlihan, Aly McDonald, Jacob McDonald, Emma Smith, her great grandchildren: Seth, Callie and Lucas Houlihan, Ellie McDonald and Angel Morning, other extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Orland, and two sisters: Jane Dalton and Corrine Park.
Blessed be the memory of Barbara Marlene Craig.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barbara’s name to Westside Ministries.
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