Jean E. Crays

Jean Ellen Crays was born to Robert J. and Alice A. (Laun) Roit on February 4, 1944, in Friend, Nebraska. She passed away on February 24, 2025, in Geneva, Nebraska at the age of 81 years and 20 days. She was the second of four children. She attended grade school at Chelsea District #32 for eight years and then attended Milligan Public School where she was a member of mixed chorus, band, volleyball and a cheerleader. She graduated from American School on January 4, 1963. Jean was married to Barry Crays on August 1, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tobias. After their marriage they moved to Hastings where Barry worked for Western Land Rollers. After a year, they moved to a farm house near Friend where Barry worked for a local farmer. In 1970, they moved on a farm and raised cattle three miles north, one mile west and one-half mile north of Milligan. Then in the fall of 1984, they moved to a farmstead and farmed and raised cattle three miles west and one mile north of Milligan. In May 2003, they moved to Geneva. To this union four children were born; Lee Evan, Lonnie Dean, Monica Jean and Lisa Lynn. Jean held jobs as a trip/tour guide coordinator to South Dakota and Missouri with the Extension Office, YRTC in Geneva, Food Basket in Milligan and F & M Drug in Geneva. She was also a Watkins dealer. Jean joined The Town and Country Club where she made lifelong friends as they learned about and toured many places of interest. They also worked at community affairs. Jean and Barry enjoyed many trips together. Her family enjoyed their joint trips with her first cousin, Jerry Filipi and his family to Colorado, Wyoming and Branson, Missouri, as well as the annual early morning departures to the State Fair when Jean would make a fried chicken picnic lunch under the shaded tree setting. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Geneva, Nebraska and a former member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Milligan, Nebraska. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Alice Roit; in-laws, Don & Anne Crays; and sister (who died in infancy), Bonnie Lee. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Barry Crays of Geneva; sons, Lee (Linda) Crays of York, Nebraska and Lonnie (Deb) Crays of Milligan, Nebraska; daughters, Monica (Neil) Gowen of Wymore, Nebraska and Lisa (Michael) Baxa of Clay Center, Nebraska; grandchildren, Gloria (Scott) LeMaster, Justin Baxa, Jill (Brice) Groskruetz, Jaymie (Nelson) Reynolds, and Shelby Crays; great-grandchildren, Jayden and Abigail LeMaster and Paxton Reynolds; siblings, Marvin (Peggy) Roit and Larry Roit; aunt, Arlene Vavra; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial for Jean was held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tobias, Nebraska. Father Robert Barnhill presided over the Services. Judy Rada accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Here I Am Lord,” “Be Not Afraid,” “How Great Thou Art.“ The recorded selection, “Go Rest High” was played as the recessional song. Pallbearers included Jaymie Reynolds, Jill Groskreutz, Gloria LeMaster, Scott LeMaster, Luther Roit, and David Vavra. Honorary pallbearers included Shelby Crays, Justin Baxa, Jayden LeMaster, Abigail LeMaster, and Paxton Reynolds. A Graveside Service was held in the Atlanta Cemetery, rural Tobias, Nebraska, following the Mass. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

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Jean E. Crays

February 4, 1944 - February 24, 2025