Gussie Crafton

Gussie Maye Crafton, daughter of John and Sarah Rorex, was born Aug. 6, 1922, in Egypt, Ark.  She graduated from Egypt High School in 1938 and later received a bachelor degree from Upper Iowa University.

On Jan. 19, 1943 Gussie was united in marriage to Victor C. Crafton. After living in Jonesboro, Ark. they moved to Fayette, in 1952.  Gussie worked at and then managed the Upper Iowa Bookstore from 1961 until her retirement in 1984.

Gussie resided in Maple Crest Manor from March of 2010 until she moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., in October 2012 after Vic’s death (May 5, 2012).  Gussie resided at Personal Touch, Inc. Adult Family Care where she died on Dec. 18, 2013, at the age of 91.

During WW II when Vic served in the army, Gussie traveled to California where she was a “Rosie the Riveter” at an airplane factory.  She was an “all-star” basketball player in both California and Arkansas.

In Fayette, Gussie was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a member of PEO and the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Gussie served on the board of the Big Rock Country Club for many years and was an avid, accomplished golfer. She loved to play bridge and other card games and was a huge fan of all Upper Iowa sports especially basketball. For several years she volunteered at Maple Crest Manor.

Gussie is survived by two daughters, Sue Regan of Jupiter, Fla., and Vicki (Greg) Andersen of Minneapolis, Minn.; two granddaughters, Laura (Steve) Donlin and Erin (Brent) Butler, and six great-grandchildren, Joey, Ava, Ryan, Lucy, Brady and Heidi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, John, Tom and Earl Rorex, one sister, Frances Burris and one son-in-law Richie Regan.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 31, at United Methodist Church in Fayette with Rev. Julie Ahrens officiating.

Friends may call for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.