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Graceanne Craig Obituary
Born: December 5, 1948 in Streator, IL
Died: December 18, 2024 in Peoria, IL
Graceanne (Paton) Craig, 76, of Peoria, formerly of Ottawa and Lake Thunderbird, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Manor Court at Liberty Village of Peoria.
A celebration of her life will take place on January 3, 2025, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home
Graceanne was born December 5, 1948, in Streator, IL, to George and Alice (Daugherity) Paton. She attended Streator High School and graduated Class of 1967. She went on to attend Lindenwood College and later LSU where she graduated in 1971. She married William "Bill" Craig on June 4, 1971 in Streator, IL.
After returning to Ottawa in 1972, she went to work for St. Louis Beverage Company, her family's Budweiser distributor. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and watching LSU football. She enjoyed traveling, taking many trips with her friends and spending the winters in Destin, Florida. She also enjoyed shopping and going out to eat, with her sister. She was always the host of the family Christmas Eve and collected Santa Clause statues and figurines. She was also part of the Party of the Month club where she was known for her corned beef. More than anything, she loved her children and grandchildren. She would spend as much time as she could with them.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Craig; her children, Kirk Mawhorter of Arizona, Will Craig of Johnson City, TN, Michael (Ani) Craig of Austin TX, and Allison Hayes of Ottawa, IL; her grandchildren, Max and George Craig and Braden, Andrew, and Ella Grace Hayes; her great granddaughter, Veronica Hayes; and her sister, Nancy (Pat) Paton Reinhardt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Alice; her son in law, Ron Hayes; and her sister, Marybeth (Paton) Picker
Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor's choosing.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Graceanne Craig
Sponsored by Ottawa Funeral Home.
4 Entries
Art and Marcia Burkett
January 3, 2025
Bill and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Grace always had a smile and was pleasant to be around. She sure loved her family. Art and Marcia Burkett
Mary Beth Baker
December 22, 2024
Graceanne had a special gift in telling jokes or recalling a funny experience. After being with Grace even a short time, my sides would hurt, I would be crying, and my face would be sore. I will never experience that joy of Graceanne´s wit and laughter in person, but it will be in my memory and heart forever.
Mary Beth Baker
Dec 22 2024
Rachael Mellen
December 19, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of many Christmas Eves with the family in Ottawa.
The Staff of Ottawa Funeral Home
December 19, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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