Joe Edward Craig

Joe Edward Craig was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, friend, and hero. He was born July 3rd, 1947 and passed September 20, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Joe grew up in Pateros, WA with his parents Elmer and Alpha Craig and his two younger sisters, Carla and Ina . The family enjoyed baseball games on the radio, summer vacations to Bonaparte Lake Resort for fishing, time outdoors, and time together with cousin Gary at Grandma Lewis'. Joe first married in 1968 and was a devoted dad to two girls. He later met the love of his life, Suzanne Ruth Craig, which he married in 1985 and loved her three children as his own. He worked 30 years as a social worker for the Child Protective Services. Working alongside Suzanne, together they faithfully cared for hundreds of foster children. Some of whom are still in their lives today, carrying on advocating for children. During retirement they loved to travel, meet their legion baseball league family, and spend family time with their grandchildren. Joe loved fishing, Gonzaga basketball, Mariners baseball, travel, and helping others grow. He is remembered as being kind, fun, strong, loving, generous, compassionate, and hard working. Joe leaves behind his steadfast wife and caretaker Suzanne, daughters Kay Craig, and Kim Whetham (Husband Reid), sons Zach Craig-Works (Wife Dana), and Philip Works, sisters Carla Duncan and Ina Fritz, sister in law Jean Niehaus, cousins Gary Lewis and Dianne Lewis, grandchildren Chase Whetham-Starbird (fiancee Rachel Podowski), Aaron Works, Gavin Works, Ashley Whetham, Dylan Whetham, River Works, Eagle Works, Kalvin Craig,Victoria Alvarez, Ellinor Helen Craig-Works, numerous nephews, and pets Charlie and Sugar. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepdaughter Sarah Works, and grandson Craig Starbird. Thank you to Enhabit Home Health, and special thanks to Charles Bagby Jr. and family for four years of loving care. Services are on October 10th 2023 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Rosary at 10:30am, Mass at 11am, and graveside following at Okanogan Valley Memorial Gardens. Please join the family back at the Our Lady of the Valley for a dinner following the graveside service. Donations in Joe's name can be made the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Attention: Philanthropy, MSJ5-200 Seattle, WA 98109) and the Okanogan Booster Club.

Joe Edward Craig

July 3, 1947 - September 20, 2023