Mary Lee (Sparks) Craig

Mary Lee (Sparks) Craig was called to be with the Lord on September 10, 2024.

Mary was born to Russell and Pauline Sparks, of Farrar, on May 9, 1940. Mary was raised on a dairy farm near Farrar where she was active in basketball, 4-H, and attended the Farrar Methodist Church, where she was baptized. Mary was a part of the last graduating class of Farrar Community School in 1958. In 1956, her sister Beverly introduced her to the neighbor boy, Edward Craig. They were married on September 5, 1959, at the Farrar Methodist Church and were married for 65 blessed years. She worked at Iowa Power (now Mid-American) in the office until Wally came along in 1961, where she became a stay at home farm wife. Six years later, along came TJ.

The couple started farming two miles north of Mitchellville when moved to a farm four and a half miles west of Farrar for seven years. In 1975, they moved back to the Mitchellville Farm for the rest of their farming career. The couple enjoyed square dancing with the Russlin’ Raiders where they met several friends. Mary was an excellent seamstress, she made most of their square dancing outfits and was an active member in The Brother’s Keepers Quilting Group, where they made quilts and pillows for the homeless. Mary was known for her smile. She loved kids and kids loved her, she helped with the Sunday School Program. Mary was very active in raising her boys, while helping on the farm operation. She ran most pieces of equipment on the farm.

Two granddaughters came along, Nicole and Sami. She enjoyed all of their extracurriculars, especially ball games from youth sports through college. Mary loved taking her grandkids to the Iowa State Fair every year. Being a part of the girls’ growing up, she said, “It’s much easier to raise boys.” She stuck by the phrase as Mathew came along. Mathew was always willing to help where needed and loved baking alongside her. Mary’s goodbye to not only her grandkids, but to any visitors leaving was always, “Call me when you get home.”

Mary was preceded in death by parents, Russell and Pauline Sparks; father-in-law, Ed and mother-in-law, Alyce; siblings, Beverly, Marilyn, Delmar, and LeRoy; and her son, Wallace. She is survived by her husband, Edward Craig; son, TJ (Cindy) of Bondurant; sister, Patty Valline of Huxley; grandchildren, Nicole, Sami, and Mathew; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends of the family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Mitchellville Community Center, 120 2nd St NE, Mitchellville, IA 50169.

Funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Mitchellville First Congregational Church, 211 Park Ave NE, Mitchellville, IA 50169. For those unable to attend the service in person, it will be livestreamed through a link below the day of the service.

There will be a luncheon following the service at the Mitchellville Community Center.

Services will conclude with burial at Mitchellville Cemetery. Casual attire is preferred.

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to UnityPoint Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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