Caren M. Crister

Caren Critser went to be with the Lord on Tuesday October 3^rd 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. She is survived by her parents Calvin and Carol (Shahan) Gray, two sisters and their husbands Greg and Cathy (Gray) Hoskins, Terry and Cheryl (Gray) Morgan, a brother Clinton Gray, a husband William R. Critser, four children Robert Critser and his wife Nicolette, Jonathan Critser, Edith Critser, William L. Critser and his wife Leeza, nine grandchildren Joesph, Aurora, Annie, Regina, Aidan, Carl, William Hudson, Carson, and Parker, twelve nieces and nephews, nineteen grandnieces and grandnephews from both sides of the family. She was preceded in death by grandparents Lloyd and Goldie (Fowler) Shahan, Carl and Cleo (McDannald) Gray, father-in-law William Rudolph Critser Jr., and many other special family members. 

She married William R. Critser March 21st, 1987 in Keokuk IA, at the Nazarene Church. Shortly before marriage, she was a certified nurse’s aide working at a nursing home in Keokuk IA. In summer of 1988 she became a full-time step-mother to two boys Robert and Jonathan. Her daughter Edie was born September of 1990 and five years later William was born. She would spend the subsequent 18 years being a mother and confidant for her children. Around the year 2003 Caren began attending church at Southern Baptist Fellowship Church in Wayland Missouri. She would continue attending there regularly for the remainder of her time. Caren also took on the responsibility for raising grandchildren Annie and Carl. She worked hard to give her children the best life possible. As time moved on and responsibility for Annie and Carl changed to their aunt and uncle, Caren would begin helping Amish folks by being a chauffeur, taking them to farmer’s markets and into town when weather called for it. Caren had a passion for visiting with people. Everyone she met would get an intense and excited greeting. Often people would acquire nicknames because names were not her strong suit, or perhaps it was because you were a unique person that truly meant something special to her. Caren’s departure from this life has left many heartbroken, but we can be comforted by the fact the she was given a new life by our Lord Jesus Christ. Her ashes will remain at the Neebs cemetery in Putnam County Missouri. May she rest in peace. 

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.