Ronald E. Cravens

Ron Cravens was born April 29,1942, to Mildred and John Cravens. He lived all his life in Rockford. He graduated from East High School in 1960. He worked as a tooling machinist for several machine shops in Rockford until he and Alma started their own machining business, which they ran For over 30 years.

He met his life long love, Alma Fansler, at Woodward Governor, where they both worked. They were married for 64 years. They had 2 children, Tammy and Todd.

He and Alma were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1968. For many years he enjoyed visiting peoples homes to share the good news about God’s kingdom.

He had many hobbies and interests. He had a mind for solving mathematical problems. He learned calculus from books and instruction manuals and was able to this instruction to create machining tools for his business.

He loved music, especially classical. He loved oil painting and gardening. And he loved animals. The family always had a pet. After retirement from his machining business, he decide to try his creativity in jewelry making. In time he decided to open an online business selling jewelry findings. Ron was a personable man, quick with a joke and very sociable. He enjoyed spending time with friends. And he loved his family very much, enjoying time when they were all together. He felt those times as precious to him.

Ron is survived by his wife Alma Cravens, his daughter Tammy Harris (Jim), his son Todd Cravens (Michelle). Ron will be remembered by his God Jehovah as a strong happy man, who will love helping restore the earth to a paradise.

A visitation for Ron will take place on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1905 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL, from 3:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 3:30 p.m. 

The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.