Melvina Pauline Cravens

Melvina Pauline Cravens, 80, of Owensboro, died Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Owensboro Medical Health System. Mrs. Cravens worked for Glenmore Distillery and retired from Barton Brands after 45 years, and was the union treasurer. She volunteered for Hospice and had been a Stanley Home Products distributor. She was a member of Owensboro Christian Church.

Melvina was preceded in death in 2005 by her husband of 60 years, George Ellis Cravens; her mother, Bertha Mae Davis in 1994; her step-dad, Roy Davis in 1976; and a brother, Robert Adkison in 2000.

Surviving are her sons, Ken (Terri) Cravens of North Carolina and John D. (Linda) Cravens of Owensboro; daughters, Linda Carol (Ty) Lashbrook and Mary (Steve) Lively, all of Owensboro; 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and her best friend and running buddy, Lela McKinley of Owensboro.

Never having met a stranger and always looking to help someone out, she had many more who claimed her as "mom" and whom she called "her kids". Her parting has left a huge hole in the hearts of many. She will long be remembered for her sense of humor and her ability to bring laughter to the most solemn situations.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with Myke Templeton officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and after 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice of Western Kentucky.