Teresa Jean Craven, 74, of Larned, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 26, 2023 at Diversicare of Hutchinson, Kansas. Teresa was born July 17, 1948 in Russell, Kansas. She was the eldest of three children born to Arthur “Red” and Frances (Brown) Craven. Teresa graduated from Russell High School in 1966.
After completing her Associate Degree in Nursing in 1974 from Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, Teresa began her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas. Teresa became the Patient Education Coordinator for St. Anthony Hospital in 1980. Teresa completed training as an Enterostomal Therapist in 1984 at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1988, Teresa left St. Anthony Hospital to work as a Registered Nurse Senior at Larned State Hospital. She retired from 37 years as a registered nurse to care for her aging mother in 2011. After retiring, Teresa worked part-time at the Jordaan Memorial Library in Larned. After her father’s death in 1993, Teresa took over his inventory of Rada cutlery and ran a small business selling knives. She and her mother enjoyed working weekend craft shows together selling knives and Barbie doll clothes.
Teresa is survived by her brother Robert (Charma) Craven of Luray, Kansas and sister Barbara (Patrick) Olsen of Moscow, Idaho; niece Jennifer (Craig) Miller of Wichita, Kansas and nephews Warren (Joanna) Craven of Luray, Kansas and Griffin and Christopher Olsen of Moscow, Idaho; grandnephews Warren Jr., Tyler and Matthew Craven of Luray, Kansas, Reed Thomas, Mack, Curtis and Braeden Miller of Wichita, Kansas; favorite cousins Karen (Jim) Ansell of Paducah, Kentucky, Janet (John) Thurow of Russell, Kansas and dear friend Maggie Russell of Nickerson, Kansas.
Teresa loved nothing more than staying home and drinking a Pepsi while reading a good book, watching a British television show or enjoying an old movie. She enjoyed gardening and shared many tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini with family, friends and neighbors. Teresa loved animals, her favorite being Siamese cats. She shared her home with a succession of cats through the years. Teresa was very thankful that cousin Anliet Milke will provide a loving home for her beloved cat Ricky. Teresa’s neighborhood squirrels will miss the steady supply of corncobs she provided.
There will be no funeral. Plans are being made for a private family inurnment at the Russell City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jordaan Library of Larned and the Russell Library.