California Obituaries, San Bernardino County 

"Big Bear Grizzly"; Submitted by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Ida Evelyn Craig
Posted: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 10:22 am | Updated: 10:42 am, Wed Mar 16, 2011. 

Great-grandmother, grandmother and mother, Ida Evelyn Craig passed away on Feb. 23, 2011 at the age of 86 in Orange, Calif. A longtime resident of Big Bear City, her family was blessed to have spent the last few weeks of her life with her in Tustin, Calif.

    Evelyn was born on May 31, 1924, in Brookfield, Mo., to Arthur Botts and Sarah "Grace" Botts. Evelyn's younger brother, Arthur Botts, Jr., passed away several years ago. Evelyn graduated from Whittier High School. After high school she worked for the Whittier School District and also in a bakery, decorating cakes. Evelyn later attended 
nursing school.

She met and married Glen Everett Hunt and had one child, Sharon Hunt Stewart. Glen was killed in World War II shortly after the birth of Sharon. She remarried one time to Cliff Craig, and had two sons, Nicholas Craig, who 
predeceased Evelyn, and Stephen Craig.

    Evelyn moved to Big Bear City to be close to her mother, Grace Botts, and together they operated and ran a clothes store, making bonnets and dresses from their home in Big Bear City for dozens of years. Individuals from all over the world and as near as in the town of Big Bear would seek out dresses and bonnets made by Evelyn. Evelyn and her mother also made bonnets and dresses for many years for Grandma Botts Bonnet Shop at Knotts Berry Farm. She made bonnets for Old Miners days as well. Her mother's passing several years ago deeply saddened her, and she spoke of missing her often.

    She loved working in the garden and the many friends that were always dear to her heart. Without the wonderful gifts of her friends, she often said that she would not have had the opportunity to do everything that she did. She loved seeing her grandchildren and her many great grandchildren, and they loved to see her smile in their presence. Her smile, kind words, her touch, and her love will be greatly and forever missed. She is undoubtedly with those that went before her and who love her and will take care of her.

    Evelyn is survived by her daughter Sharon Stewart and son Stephen Craig. She is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher Stewart, Robin Stewart, Morgan Stewart, Jason Craig, Tara Craig, Rob Craig, Christina Craig and David Craig and great-grandchildren Dylan Stewart, Sofia Stewart, Aidan Stewart, Ethan Stewart and Victoria Stewart.