Anita J. Cradduck went home to the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
She was born April 1, 1947 in DeKalb, Illinois to Reuben and Lucille (Espe) Hawbaker. She married Dennis Cradduck in Lee, Illinois on November 20, 1965. She is survived by her daughter, Chantel (Jim) Jones of Peoria, Illinois; her son, Carson (Vicky) Cradduck of Mt. Prospect, Illinois; two brothers, Jay Hawbaker of DeKalb and Dean (Char) Hawbaker of Mt. Dora, Florida; a sister, Eileen (Jim) Englehart of Marietta, GA; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Cradduck of Paw Paw, Illinois. She was a loving grandma to four grandchildren: Payton Smith and Cooper Jones, and Riley and Luke Cradduck.
Anita graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1965, and Northern Illinois University in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in English. A lifelong teacher, she retired in 2007 from Paw Paw CUSD #271 where she taught first grade for 22 years. She was a voracious reader who never lost her love of learning. She most enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and traveling with her family and late husband, Dennis.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; an infant daughter; her parents; her father and mother-in-law, Earl and Erma Cradduck; brothers Raymond, who died in infancy, and Reuben “Buzz” Hawbaker; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (Hale) Hawbaker and Lonnie Cradduck.
Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Torman Funeral Home, 510 Flagg Street, in Paw Paw, Illinois. A funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Christ the Rock Lutheran Church, 8330 Newburg Road, Rockford, Illinois. Burial will be in Wyoming Township Cemetery in Paw Paw.
Memorials may be directed to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
For information, contact Torman Funeral Home 815-627-3811 or www.TormanFuneralHome.com.
She was a great teacher as well as a great person with a big heart and a love for teaching children she will be missed dearly my condolences to her family and to all that knew and loved her
I taught with Anita in Paw Paw when I first started teaching. She was always willing to help me! I always thought of Anita on April Fools’ Day because she shared a birthday with my son. Praying for all of her family!
Mrs. Cradduck was such a kind person. I will miss her wonderful laugh, and was saddened to learn of her passing. I was so blessed to have known her and Dennis. Prayers to her family.
I taught with Anita when I first started teaching in 1992. I remember her being so loving with the children. Deepest sympathy to her family.
Mrs. Cradduck is one of the few teachers I have kept in my thoughts throughout the many years. Looking back, she was a great building block to mine and many others’ futures. Thoughts and prayers are with her family.
She was a great teacher! She taught me how to read and is one of the many reasons I became an educator. God bless you and your family.
Mrs. Cradduck touched so many of our lives and taught so many of us how to read. She will forever be remembered as one of the most influential individuals in many of our lives.
Mrs. Cradduck was a wonderful teacher I will always remember. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. Cradduck was one of my favorite teachers. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.