Juanita "Nita" Marie Craft

Juanita M. Craft

Age 98, a longtime resident of Bloomfield Hills, passed away May 2, 2022. She was born on April 14, 1924 in Lima, Ohio; daughter of Lawrence F. Snavely and Mabel Marie Richardson. Nita, as she was known, grew up in Wabash, Indiana and graduated from Wabash High School; Class of 1941. She was united in marriage to John Baker Craft on June 22nd, 1945; lovingly married for over 58 years until his death in 2003.

Nita and John began their married life in Wabash where they bred and raised Dobermans. A memorable Doberman was Dalta, who proudly competed in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. They moved to Michigan in 1949 and resided in Detroit before moving to Bloomfield Hills in 1959. Nita was a dedicated homemaker as well as a talented artist. She attended the Society of Arts and Craft, now known as the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. Nita also was an early member of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association. Her creative eye for design assisted in her creation of stunning and unique glass sculptures and oil paintings. Born with a green thumb, she grew and cultivated prized African Violets and many other beautiful plants and flowers.

Nita was an adventurous and outstanding cook who was known for her Baked Alaska and Mexican Wedding Cakes. She was a talented pianist who did not have to read sheet music to play and could entertain friends for hours on end. Nita was a life member of Western Golf and Country Club.  Joining in 1952, she was one of the oldest living members and was also a life member of the Women’s District Golf Association.  Her impressive 11 handicap helped to earn her the title of Western's Women’s Club Champion five times.  As a member of Women’s District Bowling, she also maintained a 176 average.

In the 1970’s she pivoted into a successful career in Real Estate and spent over 20 years working in the Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills area with Hall and Hunter Realtors. She loved to entertain and host friends and family for events and celebrations.  Nita was a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be missed by all who loved her. Nita will always be remembered by family and friends as one of the most dignified and multi-talented individuals you could ever meet.

Nita is survived by her loving daughter, Tracy (Richard “Rich”) Probst; her grandchildren, Nicole (Matt Nordfjord) Probst, and Tyler (Angela) Probst; her great grandchildren, Siena Probst and Selah Probst; and her niece Vickie (Bernie) Laubner.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sisters Lorene Denney and Eilene Lee.

Interment will be held in a private service at the Kirk in the Hills Columbarium in Bloomfield Hills, MI. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 2pm until 5pm at Western Golf and Country Club, 14600 Kinloch, Redford Township, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Michigan Humane , 30300 Telegraph Road, Ste. 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.