Our precious mother, Mary Alice Krone, having fulfilled her purpose on this earth, stepped into Heaven to join our dad and brother on Friday, March 12, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. at the age of 95.

She was born in Williamsville on October 20, 1925, to John F. and Lillie (Erlenbush) Cravens. She married the love of her life, Raymond O. Krone on April 16, 1950 in Springfield.

Mary and Ray were farmers in Pleasant Plains for more than 35 years. Mary loved being a farmwife and she enjoyed tending to her massive vegetable garden and canning or freezing the rewards of her labors. She had many hobbies like trying new recipes, painting pictures, crocheting and playing the organ. Her pride and joy hobby was making porcelain dolls and sewing their clothes. She made about 50 over the years.

She always said that books were her nearest and dearest friends. Her books allowed her to join the writer in traveling to anywhere in the world or in any time period. Her books allowed her to have adventures she could not have in real life.

Mary and Ray loved big family holiday dinners where Mary made sure there was at least one favorite food for each person. Their four children, seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren were the most special part of their lives.

Mary and Ray's "special song" while dating was Far Away Places and indeed, they did journey to many faraway places like Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, England, Scotland, Ireland and Paris. They also loved to travel the backroads to state parks lodges in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.

To everyone who ever met Mary, she was well known for her giant heartwarming, infectious smile and her genuine kindness, respect and thoughtfulness for others.

She is survived by her children, Jim Krone, Judy (David) Lauchner and Beverly Sabo; daughter-in-law, Robin Krone; seven grandchildren, Brian (Becky) Krone, Melissa Young, Christopher (Lisa) Carter, Jaymie (Aaron) Babel, Allison (Jeff) Brose, Jesse (Annie) Lauchner and Michelle (Nick) Hogan; thirteen great-grandchildren, Alexis and Natalie Krone, Jameson, Breanna and Ella Reed, Robison, Madyson and KC Carter, Layla, Luka and Lydia Brose, and Olivia and Ava Lauchner; sisters-in-law, Eunie Krone and Marjorie Cravens; several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, in 1995; son, Kevin Wayne Krone, in 2021; parents; brothers, Dale, Merritt, Wayne and Dwight Cravens; and sisters, Dorothy Mau, Maxine Miller and Mona Galer;

A graveside will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Sangamon County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships , "In Memory of Mary Krone" 2631 Beechler Court, Springfield, IL 62703