Jacqueline Denise Craig

July 22, 1944 — May 18, 2026

Jacqueline Craig

Service Details

Jacqueline “Jackie” Denise Craig, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Jackie was born July 22, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa to Harry Ford Wertz, Sr. and Opal Irene (Imel) Wertz. She graduated from Saydel High School in Des Moines, Iowa in 1962. Shortly after she graduated, her father passed away and she was living with her mother. She married a high school sweetheart, Earl Wayne Craig in 1963. Earl was in the Marine Corps then and while making their home at Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC, they welcomed their son, Earl “Chip” Craig in 1965. After Earl was honorably discharged, the family made their home in Wichita, KS for a time, and lastly, in Des Moines. Tragically, Jackie’s husband Earl was killed in an industrial accident. She then moved to Washington, IA to be closer to her son, Chip who had married and settled there. The last relocation that Jackie would make would be to Montana to join her son who was acting caretaker for Jackie’s brother-in-law, Charles Craig.

Jackie was baptized into the Community of Christ Church (formerly known as RLDS). While in Wichita, her family kept horses and rode in numerous western events. She was an avid reader and would read everything she could get her hands on. She enjoyed collectables of all kinds and was the family genealogist.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Sr. and Opal Wertz and her husband, Earl Craig.

She is survived by her son, Earl “Chip” Craig; and her brothers, Earl James (Barbara) Wertz and Harry Ford (Bonita) Wertz, Jr., many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great grand nieces, great grand nephews, families and friends.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by her funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Interment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to CART (Carbon County Ride and Transit) in Jackie’s name - P.O. Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068 in appreciation of their service.