Mary Earlene Crabtree

Mary Earlene Crabtree, 92, passed away surrounded by her family on January 4, 2025, in
Rochester Hills, Michigan. She, and her late twin sister, May Pauline, were born in Hillard, Missouri on June 17th, 1932. Mary was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Joe Lee and
James Denton, (Wanda).
Mary grew up on a farm in Broseley, the daughter of Jess Franklin and Minnie Pauline Hillis. She graduated from Broseley High School in 1950, and later that year married her beloved, the
late, William Wesley Crabtree. They celebrated 52 years of marriage together.
Mary and Bill were dedicated to their two daughters whom they raised in Pontiac, Michigan and where they resided for 41 years - Linda (music educator/choral director) and Brenda (senior buyer, General Motors Purchasing). After raising her girls, Mary worked as a nurse recruiter at MacLaren Hospital and worked there for nearly 25 years.
She spoke with much passion about her early life growing up on the farm, and she enjoyed regaling others with her family stories. Mary’s love of farming continued throughout her life.  Well into her 90’s, she canned fruits and vegetables, generously sharing them to the delight of family and friends. Mary’s pecan and lemon pies were legendary.
Mary and Bill returned to Poplar Bluff after retirement. They were longtime members of Westwood Hills Country Club, First Christian Church and First Baptist Fellowship Church. She enjoyed golfing and playing bridge. Mary loved to have a good laugh and have fun.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Linda Crabtree Powell (Gordon) of River Forest, Illinois and Brenda Kay Goodman (the late Mark) of Birmingham, Michigan, and grandson, Adam Goodman (Stacey) of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Billie Hillis, along with many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Mary will be greatly missed by all.
A memorial service will be held in the spring at New Oak Hill Cemetery. Information will be forthcoming. Donations in her honor may be made to a charity of your choice or to one of her
favorites - St. Jude, Almost Home, or the Alzheimer’s Association.