Goldena W. 'Dena' Craig, 72
Goldena W. "Dena" Craig, 72, of Polson died Feb. 12, 2008, at home among family and friends.
Dena is survived by her sisters, Julie Maquire, Sharon Tipton and Carol Fischer; sons, David Craig, Jim Craig, Richard Craig and Kevin Craig; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition, there are multitudes of "spiritual" family members that have a deep, eternal bond with Dena. She will be greatly missed.
She was born in Leadville, Colo., on May 19, 1935, to Roy Forrest and Julia Willene Amell.
As a child, Dena grew up in Fullerton, Calif. She excelled in school, was editor of the school newspaper, president of the French Club, and was very active in the Methodist Church. She graduated from San Fernando High School. Later, she moved to Sacramento, Calif., where she met and married Richard E. "Dick" Craig on March 12, 1960.
In 1967, Dena and husband, Dick, moved from California to Gresham, Ore., where they bought a small country grocery store, which they owned for 10 years. She served as clerk and treasurer of the Lusted Water District for the next 20 years.
In 1995, Dena, Dick and oldest son, David, moved to Big Arm where they enjoyed the diverse beauty of Montana.
Dena and Dick worked with local churches, ministries and missions wherever home was at the time. They ministered to and with the Messianic Jewish, Romanian, Hungarian and Native American communities and mission agencies. They facilitated seminars, retreats and conferences in Portland, and eventually the Mission Valley in Montana. Dena and Dick worked with Youth With A Mission for 17 years in YWAM's Portland inner-city ministry, counseling and youth center where they taught English as a second language and tutored students, with mission outreaches to Japan and the Philippines.
After moving to Montana, they were deeply involved with various ministries such as Montana Intercessors, First Nations to the Nations, Father Heart of God, Freedom in Christ and Ancient Paths. Dena was the area coordinator of Equip21, a ministry to equip people for life and service in the 21st Century, and the Polson office administrator for the Guinea Bissau, West Africa Mission Project led by Emosi Tatukevel.
Dena Craig was generous in spirit, secure in her faith, joyous in friendships, supportive in love, provided example in daily living, and felt rewarded in reaching out to others in faith. She was a friend, mentor, and "spiritual mother" to young and old alike. She was a well-respected and sought-out woman of God, who gave a listening ear to thoughts, dreams, concerns and gave wise counsel that was incredibly significant to the lives of many.
Dena's heart and home were always open and available - welcoming hurting folks, encouraging them to find hope and help in Jesus. She hosted many Bible studies and prayer gatherings, including her treasured Wednesday night ladies fellowship group. Her gifts of hospitality and organization were greatly appreciated.
Dena had a heartfelt connection to the Jewish and Native American people. She appreciated their customs, culture and view of life. Dena was deeply moved by the acceptance of the Native American community. In her closing days, she mentioned that this was considered one of the highest honors in her life.
A memorial celebration in honor of Dena will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, at New Life Christian Church in Polson. People are invited to bring salads or desserts for the reception following the celebration service.
Dena asked that donations be made to Equip21, for it was her desire to see people be equipped to fulfill God's call and purpose for their lives. You can make donations payable to Equip21, P.O. Box 777, Ronan, MT 59864, and designate for "Dena."