Patricia Ann Cretcher

On January 16, 2024, Patricia Ann (Craig) Cretcher passed away peacefully at the age of 90 with her family by her side.

She was born to the late James Earl Craig and Gertrude Marie (Bailey) Craig on October 15, 1933.  Patricia graduated from Bourbon High School in 1951.  She attended Northwestern University with Wesley Memorial Nursing Program until her marriage to Norman Lee Cretcher on September 27, 1953.  They began their new married life as an air force family and eventually settled in Tucson, Arizona in 1955. 

 Pat was a dedicated mother to three girls.  When the youngest child was school age, Pat began taking classes at the University of Arizona where she graduated with honors in 1967, with a degree in Elementary Education.  She then began teaching second grade with Tucson Unified School District. While teaching and taking care of her family, Pat went on to receive her Masters degree in Elementary Education with honors. Patricia was an accomplished pianist and played for school chorus, church, and even played professionally for several years at Furr’s Cafeteria.  Pat could hear a song and then begin playing it by ear and making it her own. Her appreciation and love for the piano and music touched so many students throughout her teaching career. Patricia retired from teaching in 1991. 

Patricia was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. 

Patricia was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Tucson Arizona and Bourbon Methodist Church in Bourbon, Indiana. She was also very active in the ADK Chapter Omicron in Tucson, Arizona until her move to Tennessee in 2021.

Survivors include: her husband of 70 years Norman Lee Cretcher, her beloved sister, Kathleen  (Craig) McDaniel, her children, Pamela Schwanenberger, Cindi (Jeff) Wiebe, Renee (Brandt) Sielaff. Five very loved grandchildren: Bryan Schwanenberger, Kelly Wiebe, Casie Wiebe, Zach Sielaff and Alexandra Sielaff.  Pat was blessed with 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.  She is preceded in death by her parents and her loved siblings, James Donald Craig, Martha Elaine (Craig)Cova, Bruce Allen Craig, and Richard Devon Craig.  

Patricia will be sadly missed and will forever hold a place in our hearts.

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation at PO Box 515 Northampton, MA 01061-0515 or online @ www.Macular.org