Arlene Kaye Craig

Arlene Kaye Craig, age 75, of Tulare, passed away on July 16, 2021, with daughter Kathy Gong and great-niece Charlene “Ranee” Prado by her side. Arlene was born on September 20, 1945, to parents Henry and Thelma Baker, in Tulare, CA. Arlene was 17 years old when she married Donald William Craig of Tulare, CA, on August 11, 1963. Donald married his first wife Bonnie Coulter on October 9, 1954. They had two children, a daughter Dawn, and a son Larry. Bonnie became ill with Lupus and passed away on December 1, 1961. After Bonnie’s passing, Donald married her first cousin Arlene Baker. Donald and Arlene had five children, three sons Michael, Donald Jr. and Daniel, and two daughters Kathy and Rhonda. Donald and Arlene were married 50 years before Donald’s passing in 2014. Arlene was a homemaker and over the years she enjoyed doing many things. She babysat numerous kids. She was a great cook and loved creating her own recipes. She was an exceptional seamstress and made her young daughters dresses and for many years, made her own dresses. She made and sold Barbie doll clothes and loved creating jewelry and accessories to match the outfits. She also enjoyed beadery, macrame and crocheting. One year she crocheted a volleyball net for our family gathering. She enjoyed reading, soduko puzzles, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She loved music, singing, playing the organ and piano. She loved animals and over the years, she took in many stray cats and even fed the neighborhood opossum that showed up in the evening. Arlene loved life and enjoyed making people laugh. She loved a good joke and often made a quick and witty remark that could change a conversation. She always made Christmas time very special for her family. She always made sure everyone had See’s candies every year, and for many years. Mom loved the Lord and although she didn’t attend church, she enjoyed listening to televangelist. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, thought he were dead, yet shall he live: And whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. – John 11:25-26.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Donald Craig, son Michael Craig, daughter Dawn Hale, parents Henry and Thelma Baker, sisters Julia Breckenridge, Fern Overstreet, Helen Caudle, and son-in-law Lo Xiong, sister-in-law Joann Egigian, and brother-in-law Robert Craig. Brother- in-law Charles Breckenridge, brother-in-law James Overstreet, brother-in-law Dean Caudle, brother-in-law Robert Starcher, brother-in-law Preston Tenhet. Arlene is survived by sisters Frances Tenhet of Tulare, Jessie Starcher of Torrance, brother Glen Baker (Joan) of Cambria, sons Larry Craig (Janice) of Tulare, Donald Craig Jr. of Las Vegas, Nevada and Daniel Craig of Stockton, Daughters Kathy Gong (Geary) of Tulare, and Rhonda Xiong of Tulare, son-in-law John Hale. Grand-children Lotella Hale, Kay Routh, Sandra Routh, Dustin Routh, Christopher Turnell, Cody Craig, Brittany Hansen, Jordan Gong, and Crys Craig. Great-grandchildren Jason, Elijah, Kathrine, Briana, Luxion, Ally, Samantha and Benjamin. A private family Celebration of Life is schedule and will be by invitation only. The family would like to thank Tulare Nursing and Rehabilitation and Bristol Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to donor’s favorite charity or St. Judes Hospital. Cremation was handle by Sterling & Smith Funeral Home.