Rachel Lark Craig, 74, of Centralia, Washington passed away on March 29, 2026, after a long illness, surrounded by many members of the family. She was born in Tacoma to John Franklin Vanning and Elizabeth Shirley Seymour. Rachel was born in Tacoma, the fourth of five children. She resided for many years in Mineral, WA and was the Elbe, WA Postmaster for many years until 1994.

Upon her marriage to Oakville Postmaster Steven Craig, they moved to Elma, WA to start a new life. She had always wanted to go to college and enrolled at Grays Harbor Community College. Upon completion of her Human Services degree in 1997, she enrolled at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA majoring in Dementia studies. She spent many years working as a social worker in Olympia. Upon graduation of the twins in high school, Steven and Rachel moved to Hawaii, then later Arizona, Alaska, and finally back home in Centralia.

During their years in Elma, Steve and Rachel ‘acquired’ three children: Heidi Craig, and twins Jordan Craig and Kayla (Proctor). In her previous marriage to Shelley Smith, they had three children: Charisma (Trolson), Jeannie (Theriot) and Anthony (Tony) Smith. All are grown now and clearly show the love Rachel (aka Lark) had shown.

After her work career, Rachel loved to putter in the garden and raise flowers, with many, many rose bushes. She loved her roses. She also loved traveling, and her and Steve took many trips to Italy where they fell in love with the country. They also traveled to Mexico, Canada and Austria.

She will be remembered for her kindness and gentle spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Shirley Vanning. She is survived by her brothers Jon and Michael, along with sisters Jill and Mary ‘Mick’, not to mention close to twenty grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at 10a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary. A private graveside service to follow. A public reception will be held at 11:30 at the American Legion Post 17.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local Dementia or Alzheimer’s groups. In the end Rachel cared for incredibly well in a loving environment from Wellspring Memory Care Facility, Assured Hospice, Dr. Lisa Neff and Visiting Nurses.