Obituary of Minerva Craft

Minerva Craft, age 87, beloved wife, mother and friend died peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2014 after a brief illness. Minerva was born in Letcher County, Kentucky in 1926, the sixth child of nine surviving siblings of Maggie and Joseph Back. Her father died when she was a child but grit and determination saw the close-knit family through hard times. She graduated from the Carcasonne School and attended Berea College. While teaching in Letcher County in 1945, she met and married Watson Craft who was on leave from the US Navy. Together they finished his war service in Connecticut before returning to Kentucky where they completed their educations and settled. Both were the embodiment of the courage, determination and honor of the "Greatest Generation." Eventually, they settled in Boone County and became teachers. Minerva taught primarily at Florence Elementary and Ockerman Jr. High where she later became a Guidance Counselor. Generations of students and faculty alike benefited from her wisdom, friendship and strength. Minerva is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Watson. She is also survived by her daughters, Linda Brown (Stewart) and Nancy Ryan (Russ) and by her grandchildren, Schuyler Brown (Peter Novobaczky), Garret Brown (Tara), Casey Ryan (Erin), Caitlyn Sullivan (Jordan) and Cody Ryan (fiancée Aubrey Gibson). She delighted in her great-grandchildren, Bennett and Josie Brown, Eleanor Novobaczky and Annabelle Sullivan. Minerva is also survived by two of her siblings, her older brother, Reed Back and her younger sister, JoAnn Walters. The beautiful arc of Minerva's life encompassed a multitude of people who learned to admire, trust and love her strength and spirit. Those fortunate enough to be touched by her grace will forever remember and honor her. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home of Walton from 10:30 AM until time of funeral service at 12:30 PM. Burial will be at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North of Williamstown. Memorials are suggested to The Larry's Kids Foundation c/o Walton Verona High School 30 school road, Walton, KY 41094