Marlene Craig

Marlene Evangeline Craig, 91, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at HopeWest in Grand Junction, Colorado, with her daughters at her side.

Marlene was truly one of a kind—a gem of a lady and a national treasure. She will be forever remembered for her effervescent joy, unfiltered humor, and her knack for always being right where the party was.

Born November 12, 1933, in South Dakota to William “Red” Haux and Lieta Boehler Haux, Marlene grew up in the small towns near Java. She attended Central High School, where she played clarinet in the school band and orchestra and dabbled on the piano. She was active in her local Rebekah’s chapter, Girl Scouts, and her church. Her yearbook staff fittingly captioned her senior picture “Pep in the flesh”—a quality she embodied throughout her life.

After earning her nursing degree from St. Luke’s Presentation Nursing School in Aberdeen, SD, Marlene began a long and dedicated career in nursing. In 1956, she married Carl Eldon Craig and worked in various nursing roles in South Dakota, St. Louis, and Greeley before the couple settled in Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1964. Marlene found her ultimate calling as an Operating Room nurse at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center, where she ended her career in 1995 after caring for veterans for nearly 30 years. Marlene was a founding member and President of the local chapter of the International Association of Operating Room Nurses.

Her love of music and travel carried her to many places across the United States and abroad; favorite destinations included the Holy Land, Egypt, and Germany. A lifelong member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Marlene faithfully served her church through the years, often chairing committees and supporting its ministries with her gifts of energy and enthusiasm.

Marlene was preceded in death by her father, William “Red” Haux; her mother, Lieta (Boehler Haux) Calkins; her husband, Carl Craig; and her son, Timothy Joel Craig. She is survived by her three daughters: Carlene Ruth (Peter) Goldthwaite, Tamara Lynne (Randy) Corkett, and Deborah Leigh (Michael) McLean; seven grandchildren: Robert and Christopher Goldthwaite, David Corkett, Katherine (Corkett) Deebel, Zachary McLean, Luke McLean, and Daniel McLean; and seven great-grandchildren: (Peter) Kameron, Bryson, and Charlotte Goldthwaite, Landon and Austin Deebel, and Everett and Roman McLean.

Marlene’s celebration of life service will be Saturday, October 4, at American Lutheran Church, 631 26 ½ Rd., at 10:30 am, and livestreamed on ALC’s YouTube channel.

Throughout her life, Marlene generously gave of her time, talent, and treasure, supporting numerous local and national organizations. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Native American Heritage Association (P.O. Box 512, Rapid City, SD 57709) or to the Disabled American Veterans (503 1/2 Florence Rd, Grand Junction, Colorado 81504. Arrangements are through Callhan Edfast. You are invited to share your memories with the family on their site: dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/grand-junction-co/marlene-craig-12517595.

Marlene was a blessing to everyone who knew her. She was deeply loved by her family and friends, and though she will be missed terribly, her laughter, light, and larger-than-life smile will never be forgotten. Lord, thank you for the gift of Marlene.