Leota Yvonne (Curry) Crain

Leota Yvonne (Curry) Crain was born July 5, 1937, in Salem, Missouri, to Earnest and Wyota (Clark) Curry. Leota grew up in Salem and attended Salem High School. After high school, she started working at International Shoe Factory and worked there until they closed the doors. During her time there she was the union leader. On June 29, 1962, she was united in marriage to the love of her life Craig R. Crain. They shared thirty-nine years of marriage and lasting memories together before his passing February 9, 2001. Leota and Craig were blessed with two sons: Kenneth and Keith. Leota enjoyed sports and loved playing church league softball. She followed the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball team passionately and never missed a game. Her later years she was part of the garden club at Friendship Village. Leota loved her family and cherished making memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leota was a lady of faith and baptized at a young age at New Home Baptist Church. She faithfully attended Liberty Baptist Church when her boys were younger. Leota and Craig were dedicated members of Oak Grove Baptist Church where she was head of the kitchen committee and worked as the custodian. Leota entered into eternal rest January 28, 2024, in Chesterfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-six years. She leaves behind to treasure her memory two sons: Kenneth Crain and partner Justin Robertson and Keith Crain and partner Dana Stacy; sister: Oleta Donner; brother: James Curry; sister-in-law: Mary Happel; grandchildren: Andrew Crain and partner Stephanie Riddle, Adam Crain, Nicole Crain, Chelsie McDerman and husband Matt, Brittney Altmann and husband Andrew, and Holland Crain; great-grandchildren: Layla, Matthew, Audrey, Leonidas, Nolan, Nash, Annabella, Gracie, and Bane; extended family: Carol and Larry Gibbs, Eric, Jennifer, and Cannon Gibbs, and John Gibbs; as well as many dear friends. Preceding her in death, her husband: Craig Crain; parents: Earnest and Wyota Curry; sister: Earnestine Wells; and her brother: Marshal Curry. Leota was one of a kind. She was beautiful inside and out. She had a huge heart full of love. Leota will be forever missed by those who loved her most. Funeral Services for Leota Yvonne (Curry) Crain were held Friday, February 16, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Ken Martin officiating. Special Music was provided by pianist Sara Pines and soloist Lisa Wulff. Serving as Pallbearers were Andy Crain, Adam Crain, Dale Wells, Michael Cooper, Eric Gibbs, and John Gibbs. Honorary Pallbearers were Matt McDerman and Andrew Altmann. Burial was in the Stone Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Leota Crain to the LovePack BackPack Program or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Leota Yvonne (Curry) Crain

July 5, 1937 - January 28, 2024