Danelle Colleen Craig

Dannie was born November 5^th, 1938 to Dan and Delsa McDonald in Cowlitz General hospital. Her only sibling, sister Esther was 18 at the time of her birth. In spite of the age difference, they would remain extremely close with each other and their mother their entire lives.

While in Missoula at the University of Montana, she met and married Charlie. Soon he was offered a teaching position in Longview so they moved back to Dannie’s hometown in 1960 where they sank deep roots and remained, raising two children.

Dannie began her career as a legal secretary at her brother-in-law’s firm then continued in that field for a number of years, working for a variety of local lawyers and law firms. Her final position was the office manager for the Cowlitz County prosecutor, where she stayed until retirement.

Throughout her life she looked forward to gathering with her friends in the Lower Columbia Deep Thought society for fellowship, travel, education and fun.

She traveled in later years with her husband, jaunting across the United States and Europe, often accompanied by Dannie’s daughter and son-in-law. Their condominium became a repository of artwork and photographs accumulated during their travels.

She never stopped doting over her children, her granddaughters and their spouses, who retain fond memories of her exceptional cooking, sleepovers and reading bedtime stories with a large bowl of popcorn. Dannie especially appreciated her great-grandchild and partial namesake, Charlotte Danelle Puvogel. She was fortunate to spend over four years with her; it was a highlight of her life and a blessing for Charlotte.

Another highlight was the weekly dinners she hosted her family, where everyone would gather, eat and laugh.

She leaves behind a son, Phil Craig, a daughter, Amy (Patrick) Welding, two granddaughters: Samantha (Tyler) Puvogel and Alexandra Craig, Ali’s fiance Jorge Garcia, great granddaughter Charlotte Puvogel, sister-in-law Kay (Jim, dec.) Craig and family, nephew Hal (Carol) Calbom and family, niece Paula (John, dec.) O’Connor, niece Holly (G.M.) Roe and family.

Along with her husband Charlie Craig, Dannie also lost her parents Dan and Delsa McDonald, her sister Esther and brother-in-law Harry Calbom, her firstborn Stuart Craig and many family members and friends who went before her.

Now we say goodbye to Dannie Craig, daughter, wife, mother, Bomma, aunt, sister, friend.

A service open to the public will be held 3pm Saturday October 14^th in the Gebert chapel of the Longview Community Church.