Juanita Ruth Craig

Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt Ruth, passed peacefully the morning of July 27, 2020. Juanita Ruth Craig, age 97 was a resident of Murrieta, California. Juanita Ruth was born on the family farm in Sullivan, Illinois on February 23, 1923 to Arthur Allen (1887-1968) and Mabel Marie (Purvis 1890-1984) Hollonbeck. Juanita Ruth was the last to survive of her eight other siblings John, Katherine, Colleen, Charles (Bus), Ray, Jean, Dwight, and Dorthey (Sadie). Ruth was a founding member of First Christian Church in Santa Ana, California and later at Rancho Church in Temecula California. Raised on the Farm Juanita Ruth provided many memories of her life on the family farm just outside of Sullivan. She, like many of her brothers and siters was born in the farmhouse. Animals abounded and she enjoyed riding her horse “Blacky”. The farm was hard work for all to keep the corn and soybean crops successful. She was part of the incredible challenges of surviving the Great Depression. She attended Sullivan High School where she met a handsome young man by the name of Harold Thomas Craig. A Loving and Devoted Wife The courtship for Harold and Ruth was like so many at the time, dramatically changed by the events of World War 2. They were both part of “The Greatest Generation”. Harold enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was quickly sent out to Southern California for training. Engagement lead to a simple but beautiful wedding held at a relative’s orange farm in Tustin, California on March 13, 1943. The young newlyweds spent their first months living in a small bungalow in beautiful La Jolla California. That time was short lived as Harold was shipped off to help fight the war on the island of Guam. They remained an incredible couple for 71 years marriage until Harold’s passing in 2014 at the age of 92. An Amazing Mom Upon Harold’s return from the war’s end, he was able to meet his then 18 month-old son (Harold) Allen. A short 16 months later, Harold and Ruth welcomed their second son Roger Thomas. Fast forward ten years and son number three Ronald Brian arrived. There was one more fantastic blessing four years later, the arrival of their fourth son Robert Michael! Mom had incredible pride of her four boys (and the whole family!). She was dedicated to every aspect of their lives. Throughout the years, her nurturing demeanor was also experienced by the numerous friends the boys would have around the house, the ball field, or the community. She was preceded by the passing of son Roger in 2012. Grandma Craig (also as Grandma Ruth) Grandma enjoyed her six grandkids. Oldest son Allen and his wife Linda were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Kimberly. Son Ron and his wife Kim were blessed with their son Allen and daughter Kendal. Son Bobby was also blessed with his two sons Ryan and Austin. Each of these grandkids had the opportunity to experience the wit and compassion of Grandma Ruth. She had a bit of a competitive streak herself and would take as many opportunities as possible to watch (with enthusiasm) the kids and grandkids games and performances over the years. Great Grandma As a Great Grandma, Ruth celebrated 10 times! The Great Grandkids include Jesse, Jillian and Jenna Martin, MacKenzie and Cody Kitt, Eden, Averie and Nora Craig along with Collins and Beau Craig. As with all our friends, she maintained a remarkable ability to ask by name, how each great grandkid was. Best of all, her legacy of compassion, caring, and humor continues through all these new generations. Aunt Ruth With so many brothers and sisters, there is an abundance of nieces and nephews that knew her as Aunt Ruth! Too many to list but they were always in her heart and prayers. She and Dad always maintained great interest in the family reunions over the many years. They were very fortunate to return to Illinois periodically to share family experiences and memories. We were truly blessed to have her as our Mom. She will always remain a positive influence in our lives and we keep her in our hearts and prayers. With all our love, Allen, Ron, and Bob Burial will be at Riverside National Cemetery August 11, 2020