Mary was born on May 14, 1946, in Schulenburg, and was raised in Weimar. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic School and later Bishop Forest High School in Schulenburg. She cont inued her education at Nixon-Clay Business College in Austin, Texas, where she graduated and began building the foundation for a life defined by dedication to family, faith, and service.

On Nov. 26, 1966, Mary married the love of her life, O.W. “Mike” Craddock, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Weimar, Texas. Together they built a life filled with love and partnership, beginning in San Antonio, where they welcomed their two children, Michael Todd and Holly Kristine.

In San Antonio, Mary devoted herself to her family before beginning her professional career at the University of Texas Health Science Center. The family later moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Mary earned her real estate license and worked as a real estate agent. Eventually, they returned to Austin, Texas, where Mary served in several State of Texas agencies, including the Governor’s Office and culminating her career from the Comptroller’s Office in 2008. She spent her retirement years in Columbus, Texas.

Mary found joy in life’s simple pleasures—reading, decorating, tending to her plants, and volunteering in her church community. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandsons, who were the light of her life. Her love was the steady thread that held her family close through every season of life. She valued every moment and opportunity to create lasting memories with the ones she loved. Mary had a gift for making everyone feel at home and her kindness, warmth, and unconditional devotion created a legacy of love that will continue to live on in each of them.

A woman of deep faith, Mary served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Austin and was active in the Christ Renews His Parish retreat ministry. In later years, she was a devoted member of St. Anthony’s Altar Society in Columbus, Texas.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, O.W. “Mike” Craddock; her children, Michael Todd Craddock and wife Kelli of Austin, Texas, and Holly Craddock Martin and fiancé Chris Maunder of Granbury, Texas; and her beloved grandchi ldren, Cole Michael Craddock and Carter Canyon Martin. She is also survived by her siblings: Sophie (Larry) Loessin of Weimar, Texas; Molly (Bruce deceased) Vickers of Cedar Park, Texas; Veronica (Richard) Griffin of Canyon Lake, Texas; and John (Barbara) Barta of Columbus, Texas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus, followed by a prayer and eulogy service at 12:45 p.m. and rosary at 1:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will begin at 2:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life reception. A private burial will be held for family members on Friday, May 15, 2026, in Smithville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church or St. Anthony Catholic School, P.O. Box 669, Columbus, Texas 78934, or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.