Sylvia Crites

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Sylvia May Crites, 92, of Bloomington, formerly of Sedgewickville, Missouri, passed away peacefully Friday, March 23, 2018, surrounded by the love of her family at her daughter's home in Bloomington.

She was born June 20, 1925, in Sedgewickville to Louis and May Bollinger Henry. She grew up on the family farm. After high school graduation, she went to Cape Girardeau Business School.

Sylvia received a marriage proposal from her high school sweetheart, Tom Crites, while he was home on leave from the Navy. Tom served aboard the USS Pargo during World War II. Because he had to promptly return to the submarine, they married less than a week later, April 29, 1945.

Four children were born to their union. Sylvia contracted polio after the birth of her second son, but against all odds, she thrived as a wife and mother. She was even recognized as Polio Mother of the Year by the March of Dimes.

Sylvia worked at Jefferson Barracks, when she and Tom lived in St. Louis. Upon returning to Sedgewickville, they established Crites Appliance Store and raised their family. In 1998, they moved to Bloomington, where they loved seeing family; enjoyed their dog, Max; traveled for submarine reunions; attended Indiana University basketball games; and played cards. They had been happily married for more than 67 years, when Tom passed away Aug. 28, 2012.

Sylvia will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was a compassionate and strong woman, who will always be admired and missed.

Loving survivors include her children, Lou Crites, formerly of Jackson, Hal Crites of Washington D.C., Connie (Steve) Ferguson of Bloomington and Tim (Tammy) Crites of Bonne Terre, Missouri; grandchildren, Eddie Crites, Ty (Becky) Mungle, Eric (Aimee) Mungle, Will (Anne) Crites, Abbie (Edward) Crites-Leoni, Dusty (Heather) Crites, Scott (Brandy) Crites, Duane Patt, Jessica (Pat) Gegg, Ambyr (David) Elliott, Elizabeth Ferguson, Matt (Trisha) Ferguson and Amy (Brendan) Ferguson-Sweeney; and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Crites, and brother, Gerald Henry.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Rink; friend, Judy Chapman; and Sylvia's past and current caregivers, Cathie, Amanda, Teresa and Catharine, for their loving care.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday at Sylvia's home, 215 E. Sixth St. in Bloomington.

Local visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Monday at United Methodist Church in Sedgewickville.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating. Burial will follow at Sedgewickville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sedgewickville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 275, Sedgewickville, MO 63781.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of local arrangements.