Mona E. Carlstrom

Mona Evelyn (Craddick) Carlstrom, born on October 14th, 1933, in Adonis, Missouri, peacefully departed from this earth on December 19th, 2023. She was the first-born child of Faona Fern (Roberts) Craddick and Virgil Lawton Craddick. Mona's early years were marked by tragedy with the loss of her mother, Fern, shortly after the birth of her beloved little sister, Maysel. Mona and Maysel were then lovingly raised by their maternal grandparents, Mary Pearl and John Calvin Roberts.

Mona graduated from Hermitage High School in Hermitage, Missouri, where she met her future husband and high school sweetheart, Harold Emil Carlstrom. Harold often reminisced that he knew from the first time he laid eyes on Mona that he was destined to marry her. He fondly recalled her as the smartest and most beautiful girl he had ever met, crediting her support for helping him graduate. After their graduation in 1951, Mona, dressed in a crisp white suit, married Harold before driving to Kansas City, where they would build a life together.

Mona was blessed with two daughters, Patti and Vicki, who, along with their friends, experienced the warmth of Mona's home and the joy she brought to their lives. Mona's home became the neighborhood "hangout," a testament to her love for children. She loved having a house full of children, and she would talk fondly about never knowing who was coming in and out and who she would find in her yard wanting to play.

An active and valued member of her local church, Mona spent hours each day studying her Bible and engaging in prayer. Her profound faith was a guiding force in her life. Her courageous spirit led her to volunteer as a Sunday School Teacher for Junior High School Boys, a task even the pastor hesitated to take on. However, the boys immediately admired her for her quick wit and spirited nature.

A beacon of intelligence and creativity, Mona was not only a loving mother but also a gifted designer. From childhood, she displayed a talent for creating garments, starting with paper dolls. As an adult, she extended her creativity to her daughters, Patti and Vicki, and granddaughter, Crystal, fashioning exquisite clothing from nothing more than a photo in a magazine or a thought in their heads. Her skilled hands also produced beautiful blankets and quilts, that will continue to be treasured for years to come.

Mona Evelyn (Craddick) Carlstrom's legacy is one of love, resilience, and nurturing. Her indomitable spirit, warmth, and enduring love will forever echo in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her. As we bid farewell to this remarkable soul, let us carry forward the lessons she imparted, the love she generously shared, and the joy she brought to our lives. Mona is survived by her devoted daughters, Patti Carlstrom and Vicki Carr; cherished granddaughter, Crystal Smith; and beloved great-grandsons.

A memorial service to celebrate Mona's life will be held at a future date.