Valeta Crawford, 90, of Gainesville, MO passed away Thursday, March 13 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO. Valeta was born in Gamaliel, AR on April 20, 1923, the daughter of Robert L. and Nancy Gillette Hathcock.

On September 5, 1942 she married Thurlo Crawford in West Plains, MO. The couple owned and operated a general store in Midway, AR from 1945 until 1958. After they sold that business, they purchased the Gainesville Livestock Auction which they owned and operated until 1970. Valeta also served as an administrative assistant to the offices of Principal and Superintendent for the Gainesville School District for about 20 years. After her retirement at age 62, she remained active and energetic until just a few days before her death, and vigorously nurtured her relationships with God, her family and her many friends.

For over twenty-three years Valeta was a member and faithful attendee of the Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church. She was unshakeable in her faith and certain of her eternal destiny. And though it saddened her to think about leaving family and friends, she believed, as did the Apostle Paul, that to depart and be with Christ while waiting for us on the other side is better by far. She was a remarkable woman and will be sorely missed.

Valeta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Thurlo; two brothers, Herman Hathcock and Hayden Hathcock; and a sister, Gladys Billingsly.

Three children and their spouses survive: Carolyn (Crawford) Thomas and Gary of Republic, MO; Leslie Crawford and Judy of Springfield, MO; and Kenneth Crawford and Carol of Gainesville. Other survivors include: three sisters, Verlene Reid, DeWitt, IA, Betty Jo Kettelsen, Clinton, IA, and Norma Jean Brown, Richland, MO; eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Valeta will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2014 in the Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church with Dale Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in the Lilly Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday evening, March 17 ^th from 5-7 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO. The family asks that memorials be made to Ronald McDonald House, 949 Primrose St., Springfield, MO 65807 or to the Lilly Ridge Cemetery. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com .