Idella Mae Crain

Idella Mae (Rice) Crain, wife, mom, grandmother, friend and beloved child of Jesus went home to be with the Lord Saturday evening, June 16, 2018. Idella was born on July 10, 1937 in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma; the youngest of twelve children born to Benjamin Franklin (Frankie) and Loueasy Jane (Still) Rice. She married Bobby Crain on September 28, 1956 in a double ceremony with James and Doris Winford in Tulsa. Mom leaves behind her beloved companion and husband Bobby Lee Crain, daughters Linda Gail Russell, Peggy Sue Williams, Lisa Kimberly Potter and her son, Bobby Lee Crain Jr., her “adopted” son (in-law) Jay Potter, Larry Williams, Betty Crain and Robert Warren. Mom was truly blessed with 20 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She is proceeded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law (LC and Gracie Crain), daughter Sandy Warren, Daniel Newman (grandson) and great grandson Robert Warren Jr.



As the last of the Rice children she grew up with her beloved sister Evon and brother LC playing kick the can and whatever mischief they could get into! Mom eventually became very close to her sister Faylou who became her prayer partner and sister Bertha. Mom was so beautiful and a charmer! However, her daddy was very strict and she knew if she misbehaved in church it would not be good. Grandpa Rice was a minister and all he had to do is give her that look! Mom worked hard as a young girl, picking cotton and apples. Mom even sang on the radio as a young girl and was very musically talented although she never had one music lesson. She loved playing basketball and watching her children and grandchildren play basketball, softball, Bryce’s Jujitsu matches or any sport they were involved in!



She was an incredible woman! She was devoted to Jesus and her family! Mom lived the life described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails...”



She has been very ill over the last few years. She told me she really didn't want to leave her family, but gradually it became a fight she lost as her body continued to decline. Mom remained aware of what was going on around her although she became 100% disabled. The greatest Mother’s Day gift she received was leaving the hospital. She arrived at Jay and Lisa’s to find a house full of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although she was very ill she reached out to each one to give a faint smile and say “I love you”.



I reached out to her grandchildren and great grandchildren for their memories of mom. All said they only had happy memories of mom: her smile, her kindness, acceptance of everyone, and her unconditional love. She reminded them to ALWAYS pray to Jesus and ask forgiveness before they went to sleep at night. Fond memories of her telling the “big toe story” at Camp Gruber, singing “Drunken Driver” round the campfire; at home they would gather around her while she played the organ and sang, encouraging them when life was tough, calling and singing “happy birthday” on their birthday and her kind and generous spirit. Michelle recalled her praying for each child, grandchild and great grandchild by name. Mom had many valleys in life, people were unkind at times, but never said anything negative about anyone, she prayed for them. She was very unselfish and always thought of others before herself. Even as she was leaving this world she left behind a message “don’t weep for me, I am with my Savior and I will meet you by the river someday.” Before she left, she told us to take care of dad.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family, online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com