Ethel Faye Cravens

Ethel Cravens, 92 years of age, passed away on May 27, 2023, at Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility in Stockton, Missouri. Ethel Fay Cravens, daughter of Frank J Hill and Roxie F Eidson Hill, was born on April 5, 1931, at the family home near Macks Creek, Missouri. The family lived in several different places during her childhood, moving so Frank could work. They lived at times in rural Camden County, in Kansas City during the war where Frank and Roxie both worked in the bomber factory. Ethel told stories about collecting grease for the war effort, and of the rationing that went on. She talked about how frightened she was as a young child left to watch over younger siblings Jack and Becky while her parents worked. After finishing high school back in Macks Creek Missouri, Ethel took the test for teacher certification. The very next term, she taught school in Macks Creek. During the fall and spring terms, she would teach, and attended Southwest Baptist College during summer sessions. There she met and fell in love with Richard Clay Cravens of Competition Missouri. Ethel and Richard married in September 1950. They continued teaching during the regular school year and attended classes during summers. They lived for many years on the Claxton homestead. Richard’s father Clay lived with them, and they added Sara Lynn, Richard Dean and Roxy Jo during the next ten years. Ethel finished her bachelor’s degree at Drury University in 1964. Ethel taught in rural schools in Wright and Laclede County for several years, until the family moved to Boonville in 1965. After that, she taught in the Fayette, New Franklin, and Boonville school districts, finishing her teaching career in Glasgow, Missouri. After retiring, Ethel and Richard moved to Roach Missouri where they had a home on the lake, then to Macks Creek. They enjoyed fishing with family and friends. Many of the extended family visited and fished with them over the years. Ethel hosted numerous Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Fishing Adventures during those years. In 1993, they moved to Bolivar Missouri. During their Bolivar years, they raised calves with Roxy and Kevin, and continued traveling all over the country and fishing at Truman Lake. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Roxie Hill, her brothers Steven and Jack, and her husband of almost 72 years, Richard. Ethel is survived by her sister Rebecca Brandel (Don), sister-in-law Sally Mueller(Buck), three children; Sara Stock and husband Ed of Branson, Richard Dean Cravens and wife Laura of Columbia, and Roxy Hudson and husband Kevin of Bolivar; grandchildren Jennifer Stock, Anna Luellen, JoBeth Lynch, Jesse Cravens, and Katy Cochran; and seven great-grandchildren Hannah Luellen, Ethan Luellen, Elizabeth Lynch, Landon Cochran, Eleanor Lynch, Macy Cochran, and Atiye Anaya Nabeel Mohsin. In addition, Ethel leaves a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial services for Ethel will be held Saturday, July 8th at the Grace Fellowship Baptist Church starting at 11:00 A.M. A visitation will take place an hour before the service starting at 10:00 AM.

Ethel Faye Cravens

April 5, 1931 - May 27, 2023