Alice Geneva Craw, 80, of Mason City, Iowa, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, at the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City, after suffering several years with Alzheimer’s disease.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery, Rock Falls.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  Memorials may be directed to the Alice G. Craw Memorial Fund.
Alice Geneva Ballandby was born May 10, 1928, in Worth County, the daughter of Ole and Mabel (Orpen) Ballandby. She graduated from Kensett High School. Alice moved to Mason City where she worked at Montgomery Wards then Helzberg’s, cultivating her appreciation of jewelry. Alice actually modeled the Hope Diamond before it was placed on display in Washington. Alice was united in marriage to John C. “Jack” Craw on Aug. 1, 1953; to this union three children were born.
In Alice’s later years she was employed by Damon’s, then Damon’s Too, highlighted by being a model for numerous runway shows. These are the facts of Alice but she was so much more! Anyone who knew her knew she was someone who always underestimated her own talents, which were numerous. Many people were unaware of what a clear bell of a singing voice she had. She was truly an artist being a gifted sketcher, seamstress and craftsperson. She generously produced crafts to give to friends and family. Alice was not just the producer of a home cooked meal, she was truly a good cook. This talent blossomed in the ever increasing Christmas cookie baking that she and husband Jack developed into an annual tradition that delighted all who received the coveted “cookie plate.” Alice didn’t participate in any of the family sports, although she enjoyed long brisk walks. Alice looked forward to her adventures being an enthusiastic partner to husband Jack on bowling weekends and other family vacations that took her to several states and countries.
Alice is survived by her husband John C. “Jack” Craw; children, Cathleen Schmeisser, Jim (Cindy) Craw and Scott (Darlene) Craw; grandchildren, Tamara and Andrew Schmeisser, Parker and Blake Craw, Madison and Elliott and Evan Craw; sister O’Donna DeRock, all of Mason City; along with 11 nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Glen Ballandby.
Alice’s life was filled with care and concern for others. Even as Alzheimer’s started to take away her former life, she maintained her concern for others as she would joyfully help other residents in the Alzheimer unit. In the end, Alzheimer disease claimed another life but not a soul and not a spirit. “Mom, for all the lost memories, we will remember for you. With our love, your family.”