Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joan Crafton Obituary
Age 87 of Bowling Green, KY, passed away on March 12, 2023. She was born in Chicago, IL, to the late Ida and Eugene Malato. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Crafton, and siblings Ann, Amalia, Salvatore, Stephen, Joseph, and Marguerite. Joan is survived by children James E. Crafton, Michelle Losekamp, and Cara Williams; grandchildren Katie, Elaine, Jazmine, Mia, Jacob, Sabrina, and Rosetta; and great-grandchildren Iris, Silas, and Sora. Joan studied at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She had a long career as a teacher in schools and a liturgy director in churches in Columbus; Cincinnati; Tacoma, WA, where she raised her family; Chicago; and finally Dayton, where she and James retired. She also gave private voice and piano lessons for more than forty years, enriching the lives of so many people. She will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Ave. Funeral service will follow immediately beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be directed to: www.Tobiasfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Crafton
Sponsored by Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel.
Michelle Shampton
May 21, 2024
My mom originally took me to see Joan when I was 3 for piano lessons. Joan said I was too young and to come back when I was 7. On my 7th birthday, as I was eating breakfast, my mom put a flyer of hers on the table and asked me if I'd like to take a lesson. I said yes, and ended up being her piano/voice student for 8+ years. I have many fond memories with her and every now and then, I'm reminded of all the love and kindness she shared with me. Often, she would make me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches... but with strawberry jelly. It was always a treat because I was used to grape. After lessons, she would let me color as I waited for my parents to pick me up. I remember begging her to let me sing Disney songs, so she got me a book that I still have today.
I never got a chance to say a real 'goodbye' to her as I abruptly stopped taking piano/voice lessons to focus on my field hockey career. When I graduated high school, I invited her to my grad party, but she couldn't attend. Instead, she sent me a heartfelt letter in the mail asking to get lunch sometime. One day, turned into two days, turned into a month, turned into years... I never got the chance to get lunch with her. A little over a year ago, Joan visited me in a dream telling me she was about to pass. I took it as a sign to find a way to reach out to her and thank her for all the years of love, music, and kindness, but never got a hold of her.
Today, she came into my mind, and I searched her name and found this. Joan, I love you, and I hold so much gratitude for your wisdom, teaching, and time spent together over the years. I wish I told you in person how grateful I am for you and how much you mean to me, but I know you hear me now. Thank you for everything!
Linda Hooghe
March 13, 2024
It's been a year but you will be in my heart forever. You bring a smile to my face. Thanks to God for being in my life.
James Peterson
December 7, 2023
I was Joan's piano student for 10 years, from 2nd through 12th grade, in Tacoma, Wash. I was saddened to learn of her passing as I was hoping to reconnect with her to let her know how I appreciate her giving me the gift of music that I still enjoy to this day now that I'm 50 years old. She was a very special woman and she will be missed. Thanks for everything Mrs. Crafton!
Linda Hooghe
March 15, 2023
So sadden to hear of your loss. She was a dear sweet lady and am blessed that she called me friend. She will be missed by us all. God Bless you in your sorrow and grief. He is there to share in your tears. (met her and Jim at Christ the King)
Julie Castrop
March 15, 2023
The St. Joseph Academy Class of 1966 has wonderful memories of Joan. She was our
beloved music and choral teacher. One of the choral pieces that she taught us was "How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place" from Brahms
Requiem. May she rest in peace, beauty, and
the music of the heavens.
Carla & Jan Brantner
March 15, 2023
Friends are the family that you choose, and Joan was just that to us.
Our prayers and hugs to the family and know that both Jim and God are with her now.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Joan Crafton's name
Memorial Events
for Joan Crafton
Mar
17
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429
Mar
17
Funeral services provided by:
Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429
How to support Joan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joan Crafton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
