Iva "Craft" R. Hill

Iva was born February 18, 1910 to George Arthur Craft and Lucy Brewer Craft at home on the farm in Vesta, Arkansas, 6 miles from Charleston, Arkansas. She was the first of six children, followed by Lloyd, Lorene, Clifton, Rex and Geneva. Her parents and brothers have predeceased Iva. Her sister, Lorene, lives in Texas and her sister, Geneva, lives in Florida. Many nieces and nephews survive Iva, also. Iva graduated from Charleston High School in 1929 and enjoyed returning home for class reunions. She commented upon her return from her last reunion that there were only a few classmates still living and she was sad that there would be no more reunions. Iva left home after high school to make her way in the world, doing what she loved best, caring for children. She became a nanny and enjoyed living in Tulsa and Denver with them. She had many fond memories of those two little girls and enjoyed telling of her traveling adventures with them to lovely vacation spots around the US. We have wonderful photos of those happy times to remind us of her youthfulness and joyful love of children. While in Tulsa, Iva met her future husband, John Vernon Hill. They were married December 31, 1941 and soon moved to Beaverton, Oregon, eventually settling in a popular Southeast Portland community, Sellwood, where they raised their only child, Harold. Iva lived for many years in the family home, even after John’s passing in 1990. Eventually, when it became evident to all, and faced with the reality of the passing of time, our fiercely independent Iva moved north to Auburn, Washington to live with her son, Harold, and his wife, Becki. Happily for Iva, Auburn is also the home of her four grandchildren, John, Duane, Robert, and Devon. She thoroughly enjoyed the company and companionship of her grandchildren and their families. Duane and his children, Claire, Jacob, and Jared, live close by, as do Devon and her husband, David, and two-year old, Matthew. Iva particularly enjoyed Matthew’s frequent visits, since he is not old enough to be in school yet and he loved to come visit his Old Lady Grandma. Iva remarked frequently, “My, that little boy is quite the captain!” when Matthew came to visit because he would demand that his Old Lady Grandma get out of bed and play with him, which she promptly obeyed! Just as dear to Iva were the visits from her other three great-grandkids, who, in their quiet ways, would delight and entertain her by their antics and talk of school. Iva was excited to know that another great-grandbaby is joining the family in July, this time to Rob & his wife, Jodi. She was also looking forward to gaining another granddaughter-in-law in October, when Duane is marrying Malia. Iva’s last days were passed at home with Harold and Becki, with the kind assistance of Providence Hospice. The family requests that memorials be directed to Providence Hospice in Iva’s name, to honor the work that Michelle, Joanne, & Courtney have done to ease the passing of our dear Mother and Grandmother from her earthly bonds. Memorial donations may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation, 425 Pontius Avenue N, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98109. Private family burial has taken place at Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, WA, where Iva was laid to rest next to her beloved husband, John. Harold and Becki wish to thank all of their family and friends for helping them care for Iva in the last five years. We truly could not have done it without you. A private family graveside interment will take place at Mt. View Cemetery in Auburn.