Obituary of June Craig

W. June Craig

Born 08/04/1936. Passed away 10/21/2023.

June was born on August 4, 1936, to Walter and Katherine Gunnels in Leonard, MO.   The Gunnels family moved to Oakland, CA in 1938, to Paradise in 1949, then settled in Chico in 1952.

June graduated from Chico Sr High in 1954. She earned her Bachelor's Degree and Teaching Credential, then received her Master’s Degree from CSUC in 1960. She taught for 5 years at Chico Sr High, as well as 14 years at Butte College. June was a substitute teacher for Chico Unified School District until 2018.

Ron and June met in high school. They married in 1960.

Together they purchased Jack’s Auto Wrecking, along with a business partner. Ron managed the store, while June did all of the bookkeeping. They then opened Cycle Recyclers. Ron and June managed that business together, until they retired in 1986.

June was an avid houseboater and water-skier.  Many of her summers were spent on Lake Oroville, on the Happy Hippo. It was all about family-time for her. She was a knowledgeable collector of depression-era stretch glass. Ron and June were also founding members of Chico Tach Watchers (CTW).

Ron and June spent countless years exploring the United States both on motorcycles, and in their bus conversion. They made numerous friends along the way of their travels.

June was very actively involved as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout mom. She was a PTA president and active in the schools her children attended. She was a very talented seamstress, and often designed and created her own wardrobe.She also had a passion for crochet, ceramics, and numerous other artistic projects.

June is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ron Craig, as well as her two children.

Wayne Craig (wife, Shelli), and Elizabeth “Eli” Lamb (husband, Jerry). 

June had five grandchildren. Dean Craig (wife, Adria), Drew Craig, Rachelle Rickens (husband, Cal), Jordyn Lamb, and Daniel Lamb.  She was also blessed with three great grandchildren, Robert, Ella, and Sam, along with another baby Rickens on the way. She also leaves a sister, Beverly, and her nephew, Matthew.

A Viewing will be held at Bruise Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 31st from 5pm - 8pm.  A Celebration of Life will be held on November 20, 2023, from 1pm - 4pm, at the Chico Masonic Lodge. Arrangements are being handled by Brusie Funeral Home.

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