Crystal L. Ralston's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Crystal Lucille Ralston, age 93 of Charleston, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2011 at her Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center home. Visitation for family and friends will be held this evening (Monday, March 21, 2011) from 5:00 - 7:00 at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. There are no memorials designated. Crystal was born January 18, 1918 in Cumberland County, Illinois to the late Bruce and Nettie (Moore) Bower. She married W. Alvin Ralston on May 15, 1938 in Cumberland County. He preceded her in death on November 19, 1997. Crystal is survived by her loving and devoted family which includes her children, Rhea Beasley and husband Ronald of rural Casey, Illinois, Linda Knifley and husband John of rural Ashmore, Illinois, Arnold Ralston and wife Nancy and Ronald Ralston and Judy all of rural Charleston, and Doris Weis and husband Walt of Hoffman Estates, Illinois; twelve grandchildren, Anthony, Alex and Elizabeth Weis, Cassandra Tinder and husband Mark, Kevin Beasley and wife Kathleen, Brian Beasley and wife Lana, Bonnadelle Willoughby and husband Jon, Kelcey Schlag and husband Mike, Lindsey Ralston, Nate Ralston and wife Haley, Jeff Dobbs and wife Nina, Lexe Volk and husband Al; 16 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and their families. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Exil Bower and four sisters, Ruth Coartney, Dorothy Cox, Pauline Lacey and Faye Kemper. Crystal was a member of the Hurricane Separate Baptist Church and was a participant in the Ladies Aid. She was actively involved with the Coles County Home Extension, the Republican Women's Association, Friends Helping Friends, Prime Time and the Barr-Nunn Club. As a leader in the 4-H program Crystal was genuine in her commitment to teaching and assisting the youth in her clubs. Crystal devoted numerous hours as a member of the Charleston Senior Center where she enjoyed many crafts including ceramics. Crystal was truly blessed with a variety of God-given talents. She was a gifted seamstress and made not only clothing but elaborate wedding gowns and uniforms. Her artistic abilities were to be admired and her beautiful oil paintings are now the treasures of her children and grandchildren. With pen in hand Crystal had the ability to sketch a picture or create a moving and memorable poem. She was so versatile in her abilities - she could fix a lawn mower or with the same hands create a beautiful flower garden - her dahlias were always a garden of beauty. As a cook she was outstanding and was named a division winner in the 1974 Times-Courier Cook-Off with her prize winning Applesauce Bread Recipe. Crystal always felt that she was ""a jack-of-all trades and a master of none"" and it was that same humble attitude which drew people to her and made them feel special and comfortable when in her presence. Crystal was a Christian woman who was graciously patient, loving and kind in her relationship with others. She was always generous and thoughtful, and willing to help when able. Those who were affectionately known as her ""night riders"" experienced first-hand Crystal's kindness and generosity as she offered her services as their taxi driver to and from various events. There was never any doubt that Crystal's family remained her priority. She created for them a home which embodied those same Christian values of love and kindness and was always filled with a warm devotion for each and every one. As the matriarch of her family the way in which she lived her life truly served as a role model for her children and their families to admire and to which they could aspire. Crystal was a blessing in the lives of her family and friends and they will always hold dear their many fond memories of countless moments shared.Click to view FAMILY MEMORIAL VIDEO.
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