Kathryn Naidene Craff

Kathryn Naidene (Hawkins) Craff born March 1,1944, the youngest child of Orville and Evelyn Hawkins in Alpena, Arkansas. She fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on June 20, 2026. Kathy married the love of her life, Maynard on July 11, 1965 and they enjoyed almost 61 cherished years together. They welcomed two beautiful daughters, Annette (Wyatt) Gadberry and Jennifer (Don) Seiler and their bonus daughter from Europe, Flavia Pochintesta, who recently visited. Her greatest source of happiness is her four grandchildren, Marshall Kaylor, Mason (Jenny) Kaylor, Allison Seiler & Elizabeth Seiler, and great granddaughter, Paisley Kaylor. Kathy was also the favorite aunt to many cherished nieces and nephews.

Kathy's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She adored her grandchildren and embraced her role as the family's beloved "fun grandma." In Kathy's world, rules were often replaced with extra treats, soda for breakfast, surprise gifts, and unforgettable adventures. Her grandchildren lovingly teased that Grandma spoiled them, and she wore that title with pride.

She never missed an opportunity to cheer on those she loved. Whether it was a band concert, football game, wrestling match, softball, basketball, or soccer game, dance recital, play, or musical, Kathy was always there. She was her grandchildren's biggest fan, celebrating every achievement and encouraging them through every challenge. Her presence in the stands, the audience, and on the sidelines was a constant reminder of her unwavering love and support.

Kathy also had a deep love for travel and adventure. Whether the journey was by car, airplane, or cruise ship, she was always ready to pack her bags and make memories with family and friends. She embraced every opportunity to explore new places and share new experiences with those she loved.

Her life was marked by extraordinary generosity, kindness, and charity. Kathy found joy in serving others, whether they were family, friends, neighbors, or complete strangers. She expressed her love through her many talents, especially in the kitchen, where she delighted others with homemade cakes, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and her famous Christmas candy (a treat Jen’s friends believe should be enjoyed year-round). Few people left Kathy's home empty-handed, and many were blessed by her thoughtful gifts of food and friendship.

Kathy was also a gifted artist and creator. Through ceramics, stained glass treasures, oil painting on all kinds of medium, including used saw blades, diamond art, quilting, and treasured t-shirt quilts, she created beautiful works that reflected both her creativity and her love for others. Her family and friends are blessed to have these priceless heirlooms displayed in their homes, each one a lasting reminder of her talent, generosity, and the love she poured into everything she made.

Kathy's legacy is one of boundless love, unwavering devotion, joyful generosity, and treasured memories. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her example and a community made better by her kindness. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched and the memories that will be cherished for generations.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9am to 11am with a brief celebration of life prayer service at 11am Pitchford Funeral Home, 2555 Vaughn Road (Route 111), Wood River, IL 62095. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Glen-Ed Pantry, 125 5th Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.