Nina “Pauline” Cragun, 105, was born in Frankfort, Indiana June 9, 1915 to Guy and Bertha (Stewart) Pletch. She went home to be with The Lord on September 3, 2020 in her home on the family farm where she grew up and lived nearly all of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, of 58 years; her parents; brother, Earnest; sister, Betty Cox; niece, Carol Joy, and many dear brothers and sister’s in-law.
Pauline graduate from Jackson Township High School and was married to Fred Cragun, son of Elmer and Minnie (Hine) Cragun, on April 13, 1941. They lived in Biloxi, Mississippi while Fred served in the Air Force and she continued her work as a beautician. Afterward, they settled back home in Indiana near their family on the farm in rural Frankfort.
Pauline enjoyed being a farmer’s wife, a homemaker, and loved the country life. She was a member of the First Christian Church and YM Home Economics Club. She had a love for oil painting, crafts, and playing all sorts of card games with family and friends. Her husband and she took dance lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio and they reveled in going to the Harris barn dances. Pauline played the piano and organ by ear, and everyone would gather around her singing old songs and hymns. Her favorite was always “How Great Thou Art.” Pauline was a vivacious people person – who loved socializing and meeting new people. In later years, she and her husband were snowbirds, who went to Texas each winter and enjoyed fishing and walking along the beach collecting sea-shells; however, they always looked forward to returning to their farm in Indiana for springtime and harvest.
Pauline is survived by three children, Ron Cragun of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, Randal (Jacqueline) Cragun of Frankfort, Indiana, and Janet (Kevin) Mahanay of Lake Barrington, Illinois; eight grandchildren, David (Tammi) Cragun, Danea Cragun, Danetta Cragun, Michele Cragun, Michael (Jennifer) Cragun, Maja Erickson, Jennifer (David) Wolke, Michael Mahanay; and twelve gre
at grandchildren, Dawson, Drew, Daylin, Delia, Devin, Camden, Siena, Chase, Austin, Parker, Oliver and August; and many dear nieces and nephews.
Visitation will 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2020, at the First Christian Church, 58 S. Columbia St., Frankfort. Service will follow at the church. Graveside services will be held at Green Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to the Samaritan Purse, St. Jude’s or Shriners Children’s Hospital. Out of respect for the health, safety, and comfort of all in attendance, guests will be expected to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks. Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may share a message with the family.
Pauline was a joy to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family, but they rejoice knowing they will all be together again.