Obituary: Inez McCrea

Inez McCrea

Inez McCrea, 99, Valley City, N.D., passed away at SMP Health St. Raphael on February 27, 2023.

Inez Elaine Miller was born February 1, 1924, in Brandford, N.D., to Henry and Louise (Lentz) Miller. She spent most of her youth in Estabrook Township, living on a farm and attending a one-room school.

Following the end of World War II, Inez met a handsome young soldier named Robert McCrea at a dance at the Rainbow Gardens in Carrington, N.D. On December 21, 1947, Bob and Inez were married. They spent most of their married life in Carrington and Valley City, N.D.

When Inez was a young woman, she started working as a telephone operator. Later, she managed the S&S Coffee Shop in Carrington until she and Bob were blessed with two wonderful children. After moving to Valley City in 1978, Inez owned and operated Mac's Cafe with Bob until his death, continuing as sole owner until her retirement.

After retirement, Inez was a volunteer at the Barnes County Museum for nearly 20 years. She was an involved member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the American Legion Women's Auxiliary. She was a very active grandmother and enjoyed gardening and feeding the birds in her backyard.

Inez is survived by her son, Dale McCrea (Julie) Mandan, N.D.; daughter, Kathy McCrea, Grand Junction, Colo.; two granddaughters, Deidre Reimers (Andy) and Katelin Reimers (Mario) and four great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob (died 3/26/1980); her parents, Henry and Louise Miller and her three brothers, Clarence (Tillie) Miller, Raymond (Jeanette) Miller and Earl (Luella) Miller.

A celebration of Inez's life will be held July 1, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel at SMP Health-St. Raphael, Valley City.

Arrangements by Lerud Mathias Funeral Home, Valley City, N.D.