Cleoris Elaine Craig

Cleoris Elaine Tague Craig

Born on August 14, 1922 in Farmersburg, Indiana to Cleo and Estee (Samm) Tague, Elaine was the first born of six siblings.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Floyd "Allen"; her first grandchild infant, Lisa; her beloved of 52 years, Floyd; her sister Joyce Nispel; and her brothers James "Leroy" and Doyne Tague.

She is survived by daughter, Linda (Ralph) Wendel, Westfield; son, James (Carol) Craig, Noblesville; like a daughter, Wilma (Richard) Davidson, Greenwood; brother, John (Roberta) Tague, Noblesville; sister, Lela (Phil) Quillen, Martinsville; sister-in-law Betty Tague, Noblesville; sister-in-law Betty Tague, Corpus Christi, Texas;

Also surviving are grandchildren: Dee (Jeff) Marshall, Fishers; Dan (Lori) Craig, Indianapolis; Matthew (Melissa) Craig, Indianapolis; Joseph (Julie) Wendel, Noblesville; Timothy (Kristen) Craig, Noblesville; along with 11 Great Grandchildren , as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was raised on a family farm where she learned the value of hard work. Work was as natural as breathing for Elaine. She attended school through the 12th grade. Her school experience was not always a pleasant one, so she decided to leave school when it was no longer required. She then pursued various jobs. Donut making was an early one, but cleaning was where she really excelled.

Elaine married Floyd Craig on June 1, 1941 and they set up housekeeping in New Augusta, Indiana.

After seeing her recently married and dearly beloved Floyd off to war, she wanted to do her part to help the war effort. She was able to secure work at the then secret Lukas-Harold Corporation more commonly known as the Naval Ordinance Plant along with her sister Joyce and two girlfriends. Elaine, her sister and friends would carpool to work in her car, and they all shared an apartment in Indianapolis during the war years.

Elaine and Floyd lived on the Eastside of Indianapolis for many years and Linda and James were raised in a modest house there. She took in ironing to add to the family income while her children were at home.

In the late 1960's, Elaine and Floyd followed employment to the Northside of Indianapolis where she started her own business cleaning apartments and the clubhouse at Canterbury House. Soon she added two employees, and they cleaned the Brockton Village Apartments in the Glendale area. Her business continued at Wellington Apartments on the Eastside until she was 80 years old. Knee replacement in that year ended her cleaning career with the exception of the "older ladies" she continued to help.

Her business and the income it provided was essential due to Floyd being in poor health for many years prior to his passing in July 1994. While her union via physical presence with Floyd was paused at that time, her spiritual and emotional union continues even until now.

There was a pleasing, deep and powerful simplicity to Elaine's approach to life. Her children and grandchildren learned the beauty and power of persistent hard work, the sacrifice and commitment required in true love, and the stability and unshakable confidence found in faith in Jesus Christ.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Elaine be directed to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Greater Indianapolis, 17005 Westfield Park Road, Westfield, IN 46074 or Widow's Jar Ministries, 9250 Corporation Drive, Indianapolis, In 46256.

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