– May 28, 2022

Kathleen (Kathy) Willis Craig, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 28, 2022. She was a radiant, caring, and energetic person who was passionate about family, the community, and embraced adventure.

Kathy grew up in Arcadia, California with her parents Madelyn and Bert Willis and her brother Sonny. She attended University of Southern California and adored her affiliation with Pi Beta Phi Sorority. In her biology class at USC, she met Jerry Craig who she married in 1964.

After finishing her studies, Kathy devoted her career to being an outstanding elementary school teacher for the Los Angeles School District while Jerry attended law school. Kathy was a strong advocate for children’s literacy and was a fan of reading Dr. Seuss books to her classes in particular. Upon the birth of her first child, Kathy decided to dedicate her time to raising her family. Jerry and Kathy raised three children: Brad, Sara, and Randall in their La Cañada, California home. Juan Pablo, an exchange student Kathy and Jerry sponsored, is a beloved member of the Craig family as well. After raising her children, Kathy returned to teaching in the L.A. school district.

A decade of many family vacations to Steamboat Springs with dear friends Chris and Suzy Nyby led Kathy and Jerry to retire in the Yampa Valley, making Steamboat Springs their permanent home for more than twenty years. All three of Kathy and Jerry’s children and their families also call Steamboat home. Kathy believed living in the same community as her children and grandchildren to be her greatest blessing. An attentive and nurturing grandmother, she celebrated and supported her grandchildren’s interests and endeavors with devotion, especially sharing her love of literature with each of them. Throughout her life, Kathy enjoyed hiking, completing the entire John Muir Trail with her family in 1980. She enjoyed the trails of Steamboat Springs where many of her friendships were cultivated. In addition to hiking, Kathy was an avid world traveler. She also enjoyed participating in her book club and volunteering at the Holy Name Catholic Church.

Kathy was especially appreciative for the care she received from friend and caregiver, Beth Banning. Married for 58 wonderful years, Kathy is survived by her loving husband Jerry; Kathy’s eldest son Brad Craig, his wife Lara, and their children Jack and Emily; Kathy’s daughter Sara Craig-Scheckman, her husband Michael, and their daughters Rachel, Rebecca, Dawn, and Madeline; Kathy’s youngest son Randall Craig-Rüegg, his wife Karina, and their children Natalia and Alexander; and Juan Pablo Bromberg, his spouse Margarita, and their sons Julian and Sebastian. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends, far and near.

A memorial for Kathy will be held on Saturday July 9th at 8:30 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church in Steamboat Springs.