Inez was born at home on the family farm, in Saugeen Township, on Sunday, December 20, 1925. She was welcomed by her parents, William “Joseph” and Mildred (Patterson) Riebel, and was the oldest of four girls, Inez, Ella (1927), Lois (1930), and Gwenn (1944). The Riebel family resided near Lake Huron and operated a mixed farm. Sadly, the family home burned down when Inez was around ten and the family relocated to the 6th of Saugeen. Here, she finished public school before boarding in Port Elgin to attend high school.
Following school, Inez worked a few odd jobs locally before venturing off to the Ottawa area for a couple of years where she enrolled in a stenographer’s course and later found work in a local bank. She eventually returned to Bruce County where she reconnected with her friend Dorothy (Thede) Crawford. In time, Dorothy introduced Inez to her brother-in-law, William “Kenneth” Atkinson Crawford. Ken had recently returned from the war and was looking to return to normal life. The two soon hit it off and after a short courtship were married in Owen Sound on Saturday, March 15, 1947. The newlyweds resided in Owen Sound where they welcomed sons Bryan (1947) and Robert “Bob” (1950). In 1952, the Crawford family purchased a 100-acre farm on the 15th Sideroad in Arran Township, between the 8th and 10th concession. The family continued to grow with the arrival of Kaye (1955) and Carol (1960). Inez kept very busy caring for her young family in addition to helping Ken where she could on the farm. The mixed farm kept everyone busy, and there was little downtime.
In her limited free time, Inez enjoyed keeping busy. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time working in her flowerbeds. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, canning, and playing a variety of games, especially Dominos, Scrabble, Cribbage, and Euchre. Needless to say, Inez loved to win, and she wasn’t afraid to compete. When in the kitchen, Inez was well known for her pies, especially raspberry, oatmeal cookies, and potato salad to name a few, but honestly anything that was put together by Inez’s hands was delicious. When it came to her creations, Inez enjoyed showcasing (and selling) them at a variety of local craft fairs.
After formally retiring in 1981, the Crawfords called Market St. in Tara home, and life started to slow down a bit for both Inez and Ken. They began to travel more and experienced Canada coast-to-coast. Likewise, they spent a dozen winters in the sunny south, calling the area of Zephyr Hills, Florida home. Here, Inez loved to get out and socialize and always enjoyed the opportunity to get dressed up and look good! Although not much for television, she had her favourite programs. Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and taking in a Blue Jay’s game, were must-see TV. Inez also had a soft spot for dogs and enjoyed their company. Retirement also meant trying new things, and golf was one of them for Inez. She soon excelled and kept up the pastime while physically able, always pushing herself.
Inez was a kind, proud woman who helped wherever she could. She was a forward thinker, a go-getter as you would say, and never hesitated to take a risk… including playing the lottery regularly as well as Bingo. Inez was known for her heavy foot, and was often seen by neighbours speeding into town. Thankfully, her strong morals and values were passed down to the generations that followed her, and for that, we can all be thankful.
Sadly, Inez’s world was turned upside down in 2004 when Ken passed away. Surrounded by friends and family, she made the most of every day and relied heavily on her strong faith. She was a faithful member of Arkwright United Church and later Tara United Church where she was very active within the UCW. This meant that any event at the church usually involved Inez. She loved to help where she could and didn’t mind the social aspect either, including the semi-annual meat pie fundraiser.
In more recent years, Inez loved to spend additional time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also eager to learn of the most recent happenings in their lives and was so proud of all of them. Sadly, a stroke in 2018, led to Inez’s downsizing whereby she moved to Port Elgin into Elgin Lodge for further care. Months later her health declined further and she soon called Elgin Abbey in Chesley home, where she lived out her final days supported by family and friends. Inez passed away at Elgin Abbey, Chesley on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, in her 97th year.
Mom will be loved forever by her children and their families. Loving mother of Bryan (Jill) Crawford of Chesley, Bob (Brenda) Crawford of London, Kaye Crawford, and Carol (Jeff) Fortune, all of Kitchener. Cherished grandmother of Tammie (Andrew), Suzanne, Kim (Matt), Meagan (Costa), Kailyn, Drew (Amanda), Brett (Nicole) and great-grandmother of Jake, Robyn, Lukas, Myla, Isabella, Sophia, Emma, Evelyn, Mason, and Jordyn. Inez will be dearly missed by her sister Ella MacLeod of Brampton. She was predeceased by her husband Kenneth (2004), granddaughter-in-law Jolan Fortune (2018), sisters Gwenn McDonald, and Lois Tremblay, brothers-in-law Mac MacLeod, Guy Tremblay, Max McDonald, and her parents Joseph and Mildred (Patterson) Riebel.
“Love you more, Mom”
A private family gathering honouring Inez’s life will be held with inurnment to follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, Tara.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Tara United Church or Tara Legion would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Our sincere condolences to the Crawford family. Inez was a lovely lady.
Deepest Sympathy to the Crawford family! Inez was a wonderful lady!
Our sincere condolences to the Crawford family. We always enjoyed her company.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family .
Bryan, Jill and the entire Crawford family – Please accept our deepest condolences in your loss. Sounds like mom was an amazing lady!
Suzanne, Cecil, Kim, Matt & Crawford Family
Sorry for your loss
Sending our deepest sympathy to all the Crawford families. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time
Condolences to all the family of Inez, wonderful lady, will be greatly missed.
Sincere Sympathy to all the Crawford family !
We have many fond memories of your Mom.
She was a wonderful neighbour all of my life.
Condolences to all.
Ben@Trudy Angel
So sorry to hear of your loss…..Inez was a great lady that always had a smile and enjoyed a good chat.
Our thoughts are with your family.
Deepest Sympathy to all. I have many fond memories
of your Mom, from time spent at the farm to your
Parents moving to Tara. She supported me with phone calls,cards of encouragement and her comment that she was always just a call away. My
Memories of her will be cherished forever.
Ben ,Trudy Angel and family
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. I have many good memories from when we both were at Arkwright church. She had a wonderful sense of humour. She will be greatly missed.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Inez during her stay at Elgin Lodge. I always enjoyed my visits with her. She had a great sense of humour and left a smile on my face.
So very happy to have called her my friend. I’ll miss her tremendous sense of humor. Condolences to the family.
Bryan and Jill, Bob and Brenda, Kaye, Carol and Jeff and your families, we extend our deepest sympathy for your loss.
The Nickel Family
My sincere condolences to you all.
Inez was full of spunk, with a wonderful sense of humour and a boisterous laugh! She always had a smile for me when I entered her room.
It was a pleasure spending time with her at Elgin Abbey.
Bryan, Jill and families I was saddened to hear of your mothers passing. Sympathy to you all and prayers for the next few days. Hold on to the memories you have made over the years
Sincere sympathy again!
We extend our deepest sympathy to Bryan, Bob, Kaye, Carol and families. Your mom was a wonderful lady and will be sorely missed. Hold close to your memories.
Dear Bryan, Jill and family we are sorry to hear of your loss of a very special lady in your lives.
Sincere sympathy in the passing of your mother, Inez, a wonderful lady! Thinking of you all at this time.
Bryan and Jill, Bob and Brenda, Kaye, Carol and Jeff and families. Our deepest sympathies to all. Inez sure lived a very full life. Cherish every memory you have of her. I can still hear her laughing. Hugs to all.❤️
We are so sorry to hear about you loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Wow we are losing a lot of great people lately. Hugs to the entire family.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Inez was a wonderful lady with a great sense of humour.
We were happy to have Inez, Gwen, and Jane to our house for many a supper followed by Dominos. Yes, she did enjoy winning!
Later after we purchased our cottage near Tobermory, Inez joined our family along with Jane and Gwen for some fun filled time at the cottage.
Inez even enjoyed the paddle boat with Gwen.
We shared much laughter and good meals together.
Inez had a special place in our hearts and she will be missed by our family.
Aunt Inez holds a special place in our hearts. So many fond memories of the farm, Tara, and later in life , visits in Southampton and Port Elgin. She will be missed by both Lisa and I. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to all the family.
Thinking of the entire Crawford family. Sorry for the loss of Inez. I remember she has a great sense of humour and smile.
Sorry for your families loss. Thinking of you at this time.
To the Crawford families. Inez was a very special lady! She will be missed. So very sorry for your loss. Hugs to all.
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Inez, she was a great lady. Cherish yyour memories they last forever.
We are so sorry for your loss, your Mom was a wonderful lady and we had some good times together. She had such a good sense of humour, always enjoyed our visits with her.
My sincere sympathy to Brain, Bob, Kay , Carol and all your families in the passing of Inez. We had many good times together with her and Gwen. Dominoes was the constant, plus food and laughter. God’s Blessings.
Sending big hugs to the entire Crawford. Inez was the most wonderful lady. She had the best sense of humour and adored her family. She will be missed, but O the memories we all have. Loved her dearly.
Terri Lyn & Peter
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Inez will always be remembered for her friendship, kindness and ambition. Ken, and those waiting above, will once again be entertained by her fun, jokes and laughter. Crawford family and friends, may you continue to make others smile in her memory. What a life Inez lived❤️
My sincerest condolences to the Crawford families.
Hugs and prayers!
RIP Inez!
Our sincere condolences to the entire Crawford family. Inez was a very special lady who will be missed by all.
Sorry to hear of Inez’ passing. She will be remembered with fondness.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Inez. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Inez was such a special friend to Mom. Over the years they developed a wonderful bond and shard many great times. Our deepest sympathy to your family.
My Deepest Sympathy to your Families at this time
On behalf of Shaun, myself, Macaulay, Cameron and Emily we hope the fondest memories of Inez will assuage your grief in her passing. As she is reunited with family, it is our hope that her family will unite and embrace her memory.
Bruce & I have many fond memories of Inez. We wish all the family well as this journey is traveled. God bless!
So sorry to hear that Inez has passed away. Please accept our deepest sympathy to all the family . You have many great memories to cherish..
So sorry to hear Inez has passed on. We had a lot of fun times over the years. Our sympathy to you all.