Ruth E. Craig

Ruth Elaine Craig of Overland Park, Kansas, born May 20, 1910, went to Heaven on Monday, November 19, 2012 at age 102. She was surrounded that day by daughters, Caryn (Bruce) Ford and Cathy (Paul) Dalton, son, Bob Craig, Laura Metzger, grandchildren, Kim (Bob) Richmann, Lisa (James) Dixon and great granddaughter, Hailey. Ruth was born in Cherokee, Kansas. She was an exceptionally talented musician, teacher, and musical show producer. As a teenager, she was the accompanist for silent movies and as a senior in high school, won First Place gold medals in violin and piano. She graduated from Pittsburgh State University. She was the Supervisor of the Music Department for the Junction City schools and directed the high school glee clubs, quartets and trios to win numerous First Place State medals. Ruth began their “Say It With Music” popular singing/performance show that continues today. She directed their 300 member choir and gave private lessons in violin, piano, and cello. Ruth and family then lived in Independence, Missouri, where she held the 2nd chair violin for the Independence Symphony Orchestra for 8 years, as well as serving as accompanist for 8 years at Trinity Presbyterian Church. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where she continued being an accompanist and homemaker. Following the loss of her husband, she moved to Overland Park, Kansas to be near her children. At age 80, she recorded her favorite popular music, hymns, and Christmas carols; a tremendous gift to her family and descendents. Ruth was uncommonly independent, family-oriented, selfless, courageous, resilient, and a wonderful role model to her children. Everyone who knew her, loved her. Ruth was preceded by her husband, Clarence Craig, her parents, Neil & Lela Martin, stepfather, T.T. Gillahan, sisters, Neilia and Paulene. Other immediate survivors include grandchildren, Travis Henderson, Brian Ford, their spouses, her 9 great-grandchildren, Andy and Jason Richmann, Devin, Daniel, Jessica and Zechariah Ford, Kane Henderson, Hailey Dixon plus Baby-on-the-way, her niece, Sharon Kelly, and hundreds of her beloved extended Craig family. Honorary family includes the staff of Stratford Commons and Crossroads Hospice of Overland Park. A private family service was held on November 23 at Mount Moriah in Kansas City, Missouri.