Obituary

Mary Ray Crooks, 87, died Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, in Plainview. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24, 2007, in the Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel with Dr. Carrol Green, pastor of First Baptist Church of Hale Center, officiating with burial to follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. Mary Ray Smith was born Feb. 6, 1920, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to John and Nora Smith. She married C.E. Crooks on Dec. 23, 1937, in Weslaco, Texas, where they farmed until 1941 when they moved to Woodrow and farmed for 15 years. In 1956, they moved to Denver City and farmed. In 1958, they moved to the Happy Union community in Hale County and farmed until they retired in 1974 and moved into Plainview. She was a member of the Promenaders Square Dance Club and the Creative Quilting Club. She was a member of Parkview Baptist Church and sang in the choir for a number of years. Mr. Crooks died Sept. 9, 1997, in Plainview. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. "Mema," "Granny," "Gramsy," and "Great Gran" were her called names. She was a wonderful cook and always enjoyed celebrating Christmas with her family. She loved to go on fishing trips with family and friends. She had a passion for quilting with friends and sewing for family. Her love was handed down to her children and grandchildren with the quilts she made. Survivors include four children, Don Crooks and wife Glenna of Tulia, Dale Crooks and wife Barbara of Pflugerville, Mary Lou (Crooks) Nivens and husband J.A. of Hale Center and Daniel Crooks of Plainview; 13 grandchildren, Kim (Crooks) Bristo, Kevin Crooks, Kristi (Crooks) Lockaby, Kippi (Crooks) Cogdell, Todd Crooks, Rhonda Scott, Mark Crooks, Cheri (Nivens) Johnson, Rhonda (Nivens) Wise, Melisa (Nivens) Sutton, Chad Crooks, Kyle Crooks, Kayla Crooks; and 26 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3411 73rd St., Lubbock, TX 79423. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com