Sylvia L. Curfman Crites

1921 - 2016

HULL, Ill. -- Sylvia L. Curfman Crites, 94, of Quincy, formerly of Hull, died at 12 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at St. Vincent's Home in Quincy.

Sylvia was born March 29, 1921, in Maryville, Mo., a daughter of William and Sylvia Hawk Siard. She was one of 13 children. Sylvia was raised in and around St. Joseph, Mo., and Weston, Mo.

Sylvia married Charles W. "Mike" Smith Sept. 23, 1961, in Hull. He preceded her in death March 22, 1968. She later married Fred N. Curfman in 1971. He preceded her in death Sept. 8, 1993. Sylvia then married Tilton Crites April 13, 2007. He survives.

Sylvia lived most of her life in Hull. She worked many years with Mr. Smith, and together operated the Laundry Mat in Hull, located in the old post office and bank building. Sylvia also operated two restaurants over the years in Hull, one being the Highway Café. Many in the Hull area, though, will remember Sylvia from her day care that she operated for more than 17 ½ years; more than 60 babies were cared for at her day care during its operation over those many years.

In her free time Sylvia was artistic and enjoyed sculpting, painting and crafts. She also was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes and dresses for her daughters. Sylvia also loved to travel. She traveled to many places. Dollywood, Switzerland and Germany were some of her favorite trips. Always striving to help anyone in need, Sylvia helped when she could. During the Great Flood of 1993 she even made a phone call to then President Bill Clinton and spoke with him. Always wanting to help, Sylvia wanted the president to know that the Hull area desperately needed relief from the flood waters.

Sylvia was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 215 in New Canton. Sylvia was a member the First Baptist Church in Kinderhook.

Other survivors include four children, Louise Gregory of Hannibal, V. Carlene Holstine of Palmyra, Mo., Joan Westfall of Quincy and Barbara Schulz (Jack) of Emden, Mo.; three stepchildren, Terry L. Smith, Larry Gene Smith and Donna Rae Libel. She also is survived, by 18 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She also was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and nine sisters.

SERVICES: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Hannibal, with Dr. Dan Spencer conducting. Burial will be in Kinderhook Cemetery, Kinderhook.

Pallbearers will be Troy Schulz, Duane Schulz, Kurtis Parsons, Craig Parsons, Mike Johnson, Brandon Schulz, Colby Schulz and David Epley.

VISITATION: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the funeral home.

MEMORIALS: Shiloh Children's Ranch in care of James O'Donnell Funeral Home.

ARRANGEMENTS: James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Hannibal, Mo.

WEBSITE: www.jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.