Mary Craft Obituary

Mary Darlene Bonnett Craft, 93, passed away on March 29, 2025, at Calvin Community, Des Moines, Iowa.

Mary was born on September 8, 1931 in Bussey, Iowa, to William Newton Bonnett and Ollie Faye King Bonnett. She lived on the family farm until she graduated from Bussey High School in 1948. That fall she left Bussey to attend Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, where she met her future husband, Donald Richard Craft. They were married on January 13, 1950 at the Methodist Church in Bussey. She lived all of her adult life in Des Moines.

Mary was a stay-at-home mom when her children were young and returned to the work force in 1962. She worked at Central National Bank as a key punch operator for over 12 years. She was later employed by Kaser Corp., Fawn Engineering and Iowa Realty until she retired in 1993.

She was a loving wife and mother, a wonderful cook and an accomplished seamstress. She and Don attended First Christian Church (now New Beginnings Christian Church) from the mid-1950s until 2020. In her spare time, she helped with her children's activities and church functions. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, go to the farmer's market and attend garage sales. She also loved watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. After retiring, she and Don enjoyed spending winters in the Phoenix area.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, her parents, 3 sons, 2 brothers and her sister. She is survived by her brother Bill, daughter Cindy, sons Paul and Jeff (Cathy), grandson Kyle (Carly), great granddaughter Addley and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 25, 2025 at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or a charity of your choice. Mary will be laid to rest next to her husband in a private service at Pleasantville Cemetery, Pleasantville, Iowa, at a later date.

The funeral will be livestreamed. Please visit Mary’s obituary page at www.IlesCares.com for the link and online condolences.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Mary Craft, please visit our Tribute Store.