Erna Mae Crafts

Erna Mae Crafts, 87, Nevada, Mo., passed away Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at Barone Alzheimer's Care Center in Nevada, following an illness of several months. Erna was born May 22, 1926, in Caney Mountain, Ky., to George Washington Mullins and Paula Watts Mullins. She was married Bramwell "Gene" Crafts on Jan. 24, 1946, in Madison, Ind.

Erna grew up in Kentucky and attended school there. Following her marriage to Gene, they lived in California until his retirement from the service. At that time they moved to Mt. Grove, Mo., for a time before coming to live in the Nevada area in 1968. Erna worked as a Nurses' Aide at the Nevada City Hospital for 10 years until her retirement.

Erna was a member of the Pine Street Baptist Church in Nevada and the Fleet Reserve in Joplin. She enjoyed square dancing and traveling with her husband, growing roses, and tending to her vegetable garden.

Survivors include three children, Brenda Paligo, Auburn, Wash., Debbie Chapman, Nevada, Gary Crafts, St. Peters, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Josh Paligo, Bryan Paligo, Greg Crafts, Shanna Crafts, Kaitlin Crafts, Darren Chapman, Devin Chapman, and Robert Crafts; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Molly White, Jackson, Ky.; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Sipe, Deputy, Ind.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; one son, Rodney; three brothers; and one sister.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, at Newton Burial Park, in Nevada, with the Rev. Chad Bailey officiating. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com