Obituary of Rachel Craft

Rachel W. Craft, 87, passed away Friday, February 14, 2014 at Friendship Manor Rehabilitation Center in Roanoke, VA. She was a lifelong resident of Roanoke, born on October 11, 1926, the daughter of Harry David and Ethel Mae Kirby Craft. Until the time of her death, she was a resident of Edinburgh Square Retirement Home in Roanoke. Rachel's career was largely in retail sales, having managed the Fur Department at Smartwear Irving Saks for a number of years until the time of its closing. For many years she was a member of the American Business Women's Association, actively serving in a variety of capacities; was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy; and a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Roanoke. In later years, she also lovingly managed day care for children in her home. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Lee Craft. She is survived by her nephews David W. Craft (Janice) of Hummelstown, PA, John K. Craft (Vickie) of Staunton, VA, grandnieces Sarah Krol of Atsugi, Japan and Laura Craft of Staunton and grand nephew Nathan Craft of Tuscaloosa, AL; and cousins State Senator Ralph K. Smith and Jack D. Smith of Roanoke, David G. Cassell (Judith) of Rochester, NH, Lois K. Morgan of Naperville, IL, Juanita West of Rustburg, VA, Betty Jean (Fred) Coffey of Altavista, VA, Annie Poindexter (Bob) of Madison Heights, VA, Joyce DeLong (John) of Lynch Station, VA, and Virginia Mae Martin (Tommy) of Clover, VA. A memorial service to celebrate Rachel's life will be held at Edinburgh Square retirement home, 129 Hershberger Road, Roanoke, VA from 1:00-3:00 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2014.