Gwen Sanders Cravens, December 06, 1917 — February 20, 2019

Gwen Sanders Cravens December 06, 1917 – February 20, 2019 Share this obituary View/Sign Guest Book Born December 6, 1917 in Clinton, Minnesota. Transitioned peacefully at 101 years, surrounded by loved ones, on February 20, 2019. She remained throughout in her own home, which she shared with her much loved late husband of 69 years, Jay Hampton Cravens.

(Gwen was an avid genealogist throughout her life and asked that her living and deceased family members be listed in their entirety. ) Beloved mother of Melissa Alice Cravens Serfling and Lucinda Deborah Cravens Weston. Adored Grandmother of Matthew Morris (Jennifer) Weston, Benjamin William (Michelle) Weston, Elizabeth Rose Weston, Ethan Aubrey (Katie) Serfling, Delaney Lucinda Serfling, and Mackenzie Gwendolyn Serfling.

Great Grandmother of Arielle Lauren Weston, Amelia Gwendolyn Weston, Alice Josephine Weston, William Jay Weston and Elise Lucinda Weston. Fondly remembered by nieces and nephews and one remaining first cousin, Joyce Faircloth. She loved her pets and is survived by her precious cat, Chessie.

Preceded in death by parents William Otis Sanders and Alice Hickson Sanders; sisters Leela Sanders Gingrich (Rodney), Elizabeth Sanders Swezey (Edgar) and brother William Sanders (Betty Jean). Gwen was born on a farm in Clinton, Minnesota and had wonderful memories of her childhood despite growing up during the Great Depression. Her lifelong love of reading began at age two and a half years.

She attended a rural one-room schoolhouse (District #10). Gwen “earned” her way to college through accumulating Montgomery Ward scholarship funds with the help of her family and community. She attended Hamline University in St Paul, Minnesota.

Gwen wrote poetry from an early age. She loved reading, gardening and traveling. She wrote and published a comprehensive genealogy of her family ( The Sanders Family of New England and Some Connected Lines ).

At 99 years old she was still pursuing the creation of a Hickson genealogy. Gwen and Jay moved many times during their marriage and his tenure in the US Forest Service. They lived in the house they passed on from for 49 years.

With special appreciate to her frequent visitor, niece Suzanne Gingrich, and her wonderful caregivers in her later years. Most recently Hannah, Katie, Tabitha and Stacey, and her beloved Shannon were a of comfort and friendship for Gwen and Cindy. And lastly, special thanks to Cheryl, RN and other Horizon Hospice staff who provided comfort and care during her final months.

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