Elsie E. Crail

CHARLESTON, IL – ElsieElizabeth Crail, age 94 of Charleston, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2012 ather Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center home in Charleston.   Visitation for family and friends will beheld Monday, August 27, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel inCharleston.  Visitation will conclude at7:00 p.m. with services to be conducted by members of the Charleston VFW LadiesAuxiliary Paul McVey Post 1592.  Funeral Serviceshonoring and celebrating her life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August28, 2012 at the funeral chapel with Reverend Bill Boaz officiating.  Interment will follow in Kickapoo Cemeterylocated south of Charleston.   It isrequested that memorial gifts in her honor be made to the Coalition Against DomesticViolence.  Gifts may be left on thememorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel,2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. 

Elsie was born on December19, 1917 in Arcola, Illinois and was the daughter of Clarence and Minnie(Lytle) Thompson.  She married Dorsey O."Doc" Crail on March 27, 1937 in Charleston and he preceded her in death in1977.  Elsie is survived by her children,David Crail of Reno, Nevada, Donna Helton and husband Jack of Charleston,Natalie Miller and husband Donn of Riverton, Illinois, K. Sue Biggs and husbandGarry of Rochester, Illinois and Emily Pekara and husband Gus of Oklahoma City,Oklahoma; a stepson, Richard Crail of Reno; a daughter-in-law, Judy Crail of California;fifteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren andgreat-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, Elsiewas preceded in death by a son, George Crail; a grandchild; agreat-great-grandchild; and two brothers, Lowell Thompson and DonaldThompson.  

While growing up in theArcola area, Elsie attended and held membership at the United Brethren Churchin Chesterville.  She was employed by theCharleston School District as a cook at the high school for fifteen years andfor thirteen years was a cook for Tri Sigma Sorority at E.I.U.  She also assisted her husband Doc with thefamily construction business.  She was amember of the Charleston VFW Ladies Auxiliary Paul McVey Post 1592 and Women ofthe Moose Chapter #1175. 

Elsie enjoyed reading andtending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She was known to be a wonderful cook and delighted in sharing herculinary skills and favorite recipes with her family.  Elsie was also a top-notch seamstress whocreated numerous beautiful quilts – her children and grandchildren have allbeen gifted with a quilt - pieced and stitched with hours of tender lovingcare.  Many have also been presented witha lovingly crocheted afghan.  Elsieenjoyed time spent with her many friends, but it was those times spent withfamily which she considered to be extra special.  She kept her family near and dear to herheart and took every opportunity to support them and encourage them.  She especially enjoyed attending sporting eventsthat involved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – she was one of theirbiggest fans.  Elsie will be rememberedfor her love of family – they will remember and treasure the many times andways in which she showered each and every one of them with her warm and abidinglove.