Aline Clara Craven, 88, of Montgomery City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on September 2, 2025.

Born on July 4, 1937, in Buell, Missouri, Aline was the daughter of Lucian and Clara (Dryden) Milner. She married Don Richard Craven on August 23, 1954, and together they shared 37 years of marriage before his passing in 1992.

Aline dedicated her life to caring for others, most notably through her work as head cook in the Montgomery County R-II School District – a role she held from 1967 to 2011. In her 40+ years, she fed every child in the R-II district that ate in the cafeteria.

Her kitchen was more than just a workplace — it was a place of welcome, warmth, and love. She remembered names, noticed when someone needed a helping hand, and treated each child like family. Her presence in the school was a steady, comforting force in the lives of countless students and staff.

Aline continued to serve her community preparing meals at the Montgomery County Senior Center for an additional seven years. Feeding people wasn't just her job — it was her purpose. She never truly stopped.

She was also deeply involved in her church and community. A faithful member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Wellsville, she taught Sunday School, Bible School, and led Girls in Action. She was a proud 4-H leader and a constant supporter of youth in her community.

Mrs. Craven is survived by her children: Claretta (Terry) Crawford of Dixon, Missouri, Pamela (Lester) Simmons of Montgomery City, Missouri, Richard (Tracy) Craven of Montgomery City, Missouri, Rhonda Craven of New Florence, Missouri; grandchildren: Tracey (Scott) Turner of Ashland, Missouri, Marsha Simmons of Leicester, North Carolina, Jessica (Mike) Hans of New Florence, Missouri, Rebecca Craven of Montgomery City, Missouri, Cody (Jessica) Craven of New Florence, Missouri, Cassidy (Kevin) Sinden of Dixon, Missouri; great-grandchildren: Maria and Don Sinden, Dayton, Kingston and Valyn Simmons, Kelton (Madi), Konnor, Sydney, and Ainsley Turner, James and Jacquelynne Hans, and Mariah Fish and Brantlee Craven.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucian and Clara Milner, her siblings, Alan Milner and Alice Young; and her close cousins, who were raised like siblings, Donald Whyte and Vivian Millam.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Wellsville, Missouri, with Rev. Jim Kerr officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Montgomery City, Missouri.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, Missouri, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to Hopewell Baptist Church or to Sunrise Memorial Gardens, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361