Mrs. Rita Crawford, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at her home in New Windsor, Illinois. Rita was born on February 21, 1938, in Nürburg, Germany, the daughter of Ernest and Elizabeth (König) Liebolt. She married Dale Crawford in 1963, who preceded her in death in 1964. Rita later spent many years with her life partner, Lyman Dahlgren, until his passing in 2005. Rita was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in New Windsor, IL.
She is survived by Lyman’s daughters, Sue (Keith Kindelsperger) Dahlgren of Swedona, Illinois, and Diane (Rex) Allen-Baines of Carlsbad, California; four grandchildren, Jason (Amy) Craft, Jennifer Craft, Sarah Allen-Baines, and Lance Schunick; and five great-grandchildren, Elijah, Elaina, Eleah, Drayden, and Lucy. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
Rita moved from Germany to the United States, where she became a U.S. citizen. She was a hard worker with a sharp business mind. She owned and operated the Flavor Freeze in Galesburg for over 36 years and also ran Tastee Freeze in Knoxville and Rita’s Drive-In in Galesburg. Additionally, she managed several rental properties in the Galesburg area. During her time in Galesburg, Rita made a lasting impact on countless lives, whether it was helping people find an affordable place to live or offering them a job at the Flavor Freeze. Many of her friends even remember her as a “second mother.”
Rita had a passion for knitting and generously donated hundreds of her handmade hats to charity and the homeless. She also knitted baby blankets for new parents. In her free time, she enjoyed visiting casinos and listening to Elvis. Above all, she loved spoiling her grandchildren.
As Rita requested, cremation will be accorded. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m., with Dr. Randy Mullin officiating. Cremation burial will take place in Rosedale Cemetery, Cambridge, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or New Windsor Food Pantry. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
