Margie Elizabeth Cravens

Margie Elizabeth (nee’ Ratliff) Cravens, formerly of Columbia, Missouri, passed away December 14, 2022, at The Baptist Home in Nixa, Missouri at the age of 98.

She was born in Smithville, Arkansas on September 8, 1924, the daughter of Jim Mack and Effie Pearl (Henderson) Ratliff.

Margie was united in marriage on March 1, 1949, in Columbia, Missouri to Jerry Earl Cravens who preceded her in death on February 21, 2001.

During her marriage to Jerry, Margie assisted her husband with owning and managing several funeral homes.  She was active in her church as a Sunday School Teacher and supported many church activities.  Margie was a Girl Scout Leader in the Cotton Bowl Council where she achieved troop awards for cookie sales.  She assisted in providing scholarships for Girl Scouts to attend summer camp at Girl Scout Camp Latonka.

She went to work for the Senior Companion Program in Rolla, Missouri in 1976, and served as the Director of the program for many years before her retirement in 2004.  After her retirement, she volunteered regularly for Mobility Worldwide in Columbia, Missouri.  Mobility Worldwide provides mobility carts for those in the greatest need with the least resources in poor or underdeveloped countries. 

Margie is survived by two children, Dennis Cravens (Ellen) and Diane (Allen) Whitmer; four grandchildren, Capt. Stephen (Kristina) Cravens, Dr. Cynthia Cravens, Allen (Lacey) Whitmer, III, and Melissa (Matt) Price; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Frank (Carol) Ratliff, one sister, Faywanda (Doug) King; two sisters-in-law, Della Ratliff and Sue (Ray) Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents; her spouse of 52 years, Jerry Earl Cravens; one son, David Stanley Cravens; three sisters, Evelyn Ratliff, Raye (Lee) Henderson, Helen (Cecil) Davis; four brothers, Leroy (Hazel) Ratliff, Jim (June) Ratliff, Neil Ratliff, and Fred (Sandra) Ratliff; three sisters-in-law, Mary (Jack) Dunham, Minnie Mae Dobbs, and Louise (Herb) Light.

Visitation for Margie will be held at Community United Methodist Church, 3301 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO from 12-1 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022, with the funeral service to follow at 1 p.m.  Pastor Curtis Olsen will officiate the service.

Burial will be held on Tuesday at the Lawrence Memorial Park in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mobility Worldwide, 4825 East Meyer Industrial Drive, Columbia, MO.  65201.  

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City, Missouri.  trimblefunerals.com