Charone L. Savage
Charone L. Savage, 83, Macy was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 2:05 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at her residence.
On June 14, 1935, Charone Lee Crabbs was born in Rochester. She was a treasured daughter of Lester Ferris and Nettie Ray Crabbs. Growing up she shared her childhood with a sister Chaume and twin brothers Larry and Jerry. Ms. Crabbs graduated with distinction as salutatorian of the Rochester High School class of 1953. She continued her dream to become a nurse at the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Indianapolis. In 1956 she graduated with her Registered Nurse degree.
In Rochester, on Sept. 8, 1956, Charone Crabbs and James J. Savage were married at the Grace United Methodist Church. They shared 39 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children: Julie, Jim and David. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
With a strong work ethic she began her nursing career in 1956. She took a leave from 1958 – 1978 to focus on her family and the farm. On the farm she assisted with overseeing the milking operation and raised chickens. Each spring Charone planted a truck patch garden. She manicured it to perfection hoeing and hand tilling, until she was beet red on hot summer days. Fall brought on the bountiful harvest. She enjoyed canning the fresh produce for her family’s winter use.
In 1978 she returned to serve Woodlawn Hospital patient families from the OB department bringing many Futon County born babies into the world. She was proud to have overseen the delivery of many of her own grandchildren. She later transferred to the nurse supervisor position overseeing Woodlawn’s nursing corps while helping young nurses hone their skills as they entered the medical profession.
A devoted member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Macy for nearly 60 years, she played the piano for Sunday service for over a half century. She was past president of the United Methodist Women and enjoyed working with the youth with Bible School and Sunday School.
As an extraordinary cook and baker, she was at home in the kitchen. In the early years she was remembered as putting on a “Sunday Meal,” everyday for the hired hands. She delighted in making “big meals,” for her family right up into near the end of her life. She was best remembered for her juicy roast and beef-n-noodles. Pies, snicker-doodle cookies and brownies were always in demand. She was ready to supply anyone with cookies who visited.
The proud matriarch of the Savage family, Grandma Charone was proud to oversee four generations. Paramount in her life was her family; caring for her mother for six years during her declining health, helping to deliver her grandchildren or lending a listening ear to her legacy, she was always there for her family. Grandma could be seen in the bleachers cheering at basketball games, attending academic competitions or music concerts, she was there to support and encourage.
Left to cherish Charone Savage’s memory are a daughter, Julie Burns and husband Jeffrey of Macy; two sons: Dennis “Jim” Savage and wife Candy of Macy, David Savage and wife Tracy of Peru; 12 grandchildren: Jamie, Jessica, Jill, Joe, Amber, Andrea, Angela, Kyle, Karrisa, Cheyanna, Carinna, Noah; 15 great grandchildren: Abra, Ezra, Salem, Simeon, Gideon, Lincoln, Taylor, Darian, Kaiden, Treyden, Brantley, Ellie, Caiden, Francesca, Liam and another great grandson arriving in January 201; twin brothers: Lawrence Crabbs of Godfrey, IL,and Dr. Jerry Crabbs of Burlington, KY; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding Charone in death are her parents, Lester and Nettie Crabbs, her beloved husband Jim on Aug. 25, 1995, and a sister, Chaume Smoker.
Pastor Wayne Balmer will officiate services. Interment will be at the Plainview Cemetery near Macy