Roma Craft

Roma Nell (Neal) Craft , 89, went to be with her Lord on October 7, 2012 at 12:30AM at Herrin Hospital with family at her side. Roma was born January 30, 1923 in Mulkeytown, Illinois, daughter of Allen and Bertha (Greenwood) Neal. She attended a one-room country grade school north of Mulkeytown and graduated from Christopher High School. She attended Southern Illinois University of Carbondale (when it was still a “Teacher’s College”) where she met Billy V. Craft of Herrin. They were wed in 1939 and enjoyed a marriage of 50 years until Billy’s death in 1990. Her children include: Barbara Blacklock and her husband, Jim of Mulkeytown, IL; Patricia Craft, her special needs child whom Roma cared for until her death in 2004; Harvey Craft and his wife, Charlotte (Stephens) of West Plains, MO; Jay Craft and his wife Beverly (Wiswell) of Big Bear, CA; Allen Craft and his wife, Ronda (Fox) of Crainville, IL; Darla McKeown and her husband Steven of Herrin, IL; Donny Craft and his wife Wendy (Kesler). She is survived by 19 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. In addition to her husband and one daughter, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Russell and Ross Neal, and one grandchild. When the children were young, Roma and Bill enjoyed weekly boating and water skiing trips to Crab Orchard Lake and socializing with their “CB Radio Friends”. Roma was a long-time member of the First Christian Church of Herrin, where she enjoyed their “Recycled Youth Group”. She will be remembered as faithful wife; a great cook (rhubarb and biscuits Christmas breakfasts and chicken and dumplin’ dinners were her specialty); and an avid reader. She will be missed. Visitation will be at 11AM on Wednesday, October 10th at Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin. The funeral service will follow at 1PM with Ron Henwood officiating. Burial will be in Whiteash Cemetery in Whiteash Illinois.