Nelda Crader

Nelda Dalton Crader, 84, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 11, 2019, in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 18, 1935, to Leonard and Nelle Rhodes Dalton. She was the oldest of seven children. She worked hard on the family farm and helped care for her siblings. She grew up attending the Methodist church and was in 4-H.

After graduating from Delta High School, she attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. Her father called her home, persuading her to become a school teacher in a one-room classroom in Allenville. While teaching, she had a student named Kay, who was excited about her big brother "Jackie" coming home from the Army.

On Jan. 21, 1955, she and Jack Crader were united in marriage. This union would welcome four children, Mariesa, Kevin, Kim and Brandi.

Nelda obtained her Bachelor of Science in education from Southeast Missouri State University, while raising her children and teaching. She continued to be active in the Methodist church and Eastern Star, achieving a 50-plus-year membership. She was always available to her family and friends for anything they might need.

She taught fourth grade at Chaffee, Missouri, and is still fondly remembered. After teaching for 32 years, she retired to spend more time with Jack. They enjoyed traveling and would talk all day. They attended the Church of God in Jackson together and cherished spending time with their family. She was also a member of Oak Ridge Homemakers.

On Nov. 3, 2014, just a few months short of 60 years, her life would forever change when Jack was called to his heavenly home.

Her steadfast faith in her Lord was the prevailing force throughout her life. She could often be found reading her Bible or some other religious book. She had an angelic voice and of all the things life took from her, she was able to sing until the end. Her endless strength and energy created a home full of warmth, love, laughter and delicious food. She was a wonderful role model and created a strong foundation for her family. She taught her family well and her memory will live on in their hearts and lives.

Loving survivors include son, Kevin (Linda) Crader of Jackson; daughters, Kim (Mike) Begley of Arbor and Brandi (Dave) Farris of Jefferson City, Missouri; grandchildren, Kia Cochran, Nikki Hodges and Jon Steinnerd; great-grandchildren, Daphne Warren, Colton Hodges, Luke Warren, Kayla Hodges, Kilie Miles, Kassie Hodges and Vivian Begley; sister, Suda Crawford; and brothers, Max and Wayne Dalton.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Mariesa Lesch; grandsons, A.J. Begley and Michael Borgfield; parents; and siblings, Glenda Schuh and Bill and Darris Dalton.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Her body will be laid to rest following the ceremony at Hitt Cemetery in Arbor.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Methodist Church and Cemetery Association, 133 W. Yoakum Ave., Chaffee, MO, 63740; Church of God, 80 Grace St., Chaffee, MO 63740 or Hitt Cemetery, P.O. Box 782, Delta, MO 63744.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.