Thelma Fern Craghead

Thelma Fern Craghead passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on October 6th, 2026 at age 82. She was born to Hubert and Edna Whitford in Riverside California in 1944. She was the mother of 4 wonderful children, grandmother of 12 and great grandmother of 4. She unfortunately lost her 6-year battle with cancer.

Prior to retirement she worked as the manager of client services for U-haul in Phoenix and later as the manager of customer service for Jensen Tools also in Phoenix. She worked for 10 years with her husband Mike on a side business creating numerous teddy bears and cloth dolls sold around the world to collectors. She was an avid artist, seamstress and crafter.

She was previously married to Fred McKenzie father of her 4 children for over 24 years prior to their divorce.

She is survived by her husband of over 38 years, Mike Craghead, as well as children Steven and wife Karen, Margaret and husband Keith, Patricia and husband Brent and Glen and wife Christy, all 12 grandchildren and their extended families and 4 great grandchildren.

She was known for her kind heart, quick wit, inner strength and artistic side. The world lost a force of nature and is poorer for that loss.