AnnaBell Ruth Craw

AnnaBell Ruth Craw, age 87, of McCook, NE passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019 at McCook, NE.  She was born January 26, 1932 in Max, NE to Harry and Gertrude (Hinz) Kentopp.  She grew up and attended school in Benkelman graduating on May 24, 1949.

AnnaBell was united in marriage on May 28, 1950 to Art Craw from Stratton, NE.  To this union four children were born: Ronald, Debra, Lori, and Kent.  Art and AnnaBell raised their family on the farm west of Stratton, NE.  They worked hard during the busy times on the farm with crops and livestock.  AnnaBell also worked as a secretary and receptionist for Miller Manufacturing Company in Stratton, NE.

Following Art’s death in 1995, AnnaBell stayed on the farm for five more years before moving to McCook where she developed many new friendships.  AnnaBell felt that she was blessed with a good life and wouldn’t have changed anything.  She always enjoyed sports, whether it was watching her children and grandchildren compete or watching her favorite teams on TV.  She loved playing bridge, socializing and visiting family and friends.  During the winter months AnnaBell and Art enjoyed traveling to the southwest part of the United States.

AnnaBell was a member of the Stratton United Methodist Church where she was involved as a Sunday School  Teacher for many years.  Upon moving to McCook she transferred her membership to Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook.

AnnaBell was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister Fern Cunningham, and two brothers Brian Kentopp and Billy “Poncho” Kentopp.

AnnaBell is survived by her children: Ron (Susan) Craw of Stratton, NE, Deb (Rod) Gerdes of Overland Park, KS, Lori (John) Steingard of Henderson, NE and Kent (Karen) Craw of McCook, NE, ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  She is also survived by three sisters:  Thelma Downing of Fort Morgan, CO, Joan (Bob) Child of Westminster, CO, and Mary Ann (Johnnie) Craig of Hays, KS as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A book signing with family present to greet friends will be held Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Graveside services will be held Monday, July 8, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at the Rose Hill Cemetery, in Stratton, NE.

Following burial, memorial services will be held Monday, July 8, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Stratton, with Rev. Rodney Heilbrun officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Community Home Health Care and Hospice 1301 East H ST McCook, NE 69001.