Garnett Helen Popplewell was born on August 30, 1928, in South Haven, Kansas to Paul and Lula Popplewell. She attended the Methodist Church there and accepted Christ as her personal savior at the age of 9 years. She graduated from South Haven in May 1946. On Sept. 23, 1946, she married Billy Gene Craig and to this union were born with 3 children; Terry Nixson, Jerry Gene, and Shelley Garnette. They moved to Wellington in 1956 where she transferred her membership to the First Baptist Church. She was a member of the choir and served on many committees through the years. Garnett was also a member of V.F.W. Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary as well as a life member of Wellington PTA. In 1981 she was presented with the Business and Professional Women “Woman of the Year” award and served as their president in 1983 and 1984. She was a life member of Soroptimist International, a life member of the Historical Society of Sumner Co., and a member of Pioneer Families of Sumner Co. After her retirement she enjoyed selling Avon and worked in visitation for the Day Funeral Home. Outside of her home, she worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist for over 30 years but her greatest joy was raising her 3 children and enjoying her grandchildren. They spent their winters in Aransas Pass and traveled to many states as well. Garnett also loved music; her favorites were gospel, country western, and big band sounds of the 40’s. Her later years were spent with her dear friend Charlie Tibbs; enjoying trips and dining out. Preceding her in death were her parents Paul and Lula Popplewell her two brothers; Theron and Merle Popplewell and her sisters; Pauline Robinson and Anna Mae Coggins. Survivors are her two sons: Terry Nixson Craig and Jerry Gene Craig, and his wife, Fran Craig. One daughter; Shelley Garnette and husband Jeff Deschaine. Her grandchildren are Troy Craig and their wife Kelli; Trisha Craig Torpey and their husband Josh; Ebony Deschaine and fiancé Shannon Hudson; Cameron Deschaine and his wife Tonya; Spencer Craig; Makenzi Craig and her husband, Bryan Marshall.
Great Granddaughters are Ashton Hubert and her husband Austin.; Neeley Marshall and Madison Grace DeAngelis Monnet (Craig) and Penelope and Brooke Torpey. Her great-grandsons are Tucker Jay Deschaine, Sawyer Braxton Deschaine, Ty Robert Deschaine, and Jack Craig Marshall. Great Granddaughters are Sloan Craig and Slade Craig. Her great-grandson is Oliver Rain Hubert. A celebration of her life will be held at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday evening, September 16, 2024. Her family will be present during this time to receive and visit with guests. Following cremation, a private interment will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery, South Haven, KS. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given in her memory to the First Baptist Church, 201 West Lincoln, Wellington, Kansas 67152. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home. We invite you to share a memory, leave condolences, and sign her digital tribute wall atwww. cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas 67152.
