Mary Ann Craighead

Mary Ann Craighead of Avenal, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday September 8, 2015 at the age of 73. Mary was born in Clovis, CA on August 24, 1942. She was one of 13 children born to Oscar and Winnie (Bond) McCleland.

She grew up and attended school in the Fresno/Clovis area. Being the second oldest child, Mary provided support and care in many ways to her siblings.

Mary was first married at the age of 17 and had two children, Richard and Steven Lindsay. One of her many loves at that time was camping and fishing with her boys. The marriage lasted approximately 13 years.

While employed as a furniture salesperson and interior decorator she met Sidney. They were married on July 17, 1972, and recently celebrated 43 years of marriage. During their marriage they lived in various cities in California, and have been residents of Avenal for the past 30 plus years.

She loved to work outside of the home but, Mary's greatest passions were being a homemaker and gardening, spending many hours improving their yard. Throughout their years in Avenal she provided Sid with quiet encouragement and support, which enabled him to be

active in many community roles and projects. Both family and friends enjoyed Mary's amazing gardens, and outstanding meals. We will all dearly miss her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, and step-daughter Susan (Craighead) Martinez.

Mary is survived by her husband, Sidney King Craighead; two sons, Richard Lindsay and his wife Shirley and Steven Lindsay and his wife Laura; six grandchildren, Tielman Lindsay, Natasha and her husband Michael, Tortorete, Rikki and her husband Joey Greenberg, Samantha Lindsay, Steven Lindsay, Ryan Lindsay and a great-grandson Brayden. Mary is also survived by seven of her siblings.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Avenal First Baptist Church, 528 E. Kings St., Avenal, CA 93204 on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.

Remembrances may be made to the Tehran Shrine Temple Children Hospital