STEELEVILLE – Delores (Dee) Craig, of Steeleville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the age of 93, at Three Springs Lodge in Chester.  She was born in Campbell Hill, Illinois, on May 28, 1929, to Arnold and Elsie (Gerberding) Bense.

Dee enjoyed country music, Cardinals baseball, golfing, spending time with her friends, and traveling.  She also enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. In her later years, she made many baby and children's quilts which she donated to Cardinal Glennon.  She loved her family and her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She married Kenneth Craig on December 16, 1989, he preceded her in death on December 4, 2004.

Dee is survived by her daughters, Beverly (Jim) Cleland of Steeleville, IL, and Sharon (Mike)Mueller of Lake Ozark, MO, and daughter-in-law, Jeanne Crain-Sorgea of Millstadt, IL.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, John Higgerson, Regina Higgerson Mueller, Lindsay Kranz, Tyler Cleland, and Blake Metzger; seven great grandchildren, Jermy, Grace, Austin, Karlie, Taelyn, Kellen, and Caleb; three sisters, Lucille Dalley, Mildred Jaimet, and Zelda Egbert; sister-in-law, Elaine Bense; brother-in-law, Jack Grah; and many nieces and nephews.

Dee was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Lawrence (Bud) Higgerson; one great granddaughter, Emily Kranz; brothers, Alva, Wilbert, Junior, Lester, Larry and Raymond Bense; and three sisters, Alberta McKelvey, Sylvia Grah, and Dorothea Bense.

Dee's wishes were for cremation and a private family service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Cottom Cemetery, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.