Cassie Crowder

Cassenia Estha Guess Crowder passed away on April 12, 2011. She was born in Carlisle, Arkansas on December 20, 1918 to John and Nettie Guess. Cassie attended Brown Grove Elementary School and graduated from Carlisle High School. After high school, she attended school in Detroit, Michigan where she became a Detroit Redwings fan. Upon returning to Arkansas, she married Benjamin M. Crowder, Jr. on November 5, 1939 in Walter's Chapel, Arkansas. On September 16, 1940 the first of their three children, Pollyanna, was born. At the beginning of World War II, Cassie attended the Arkansas State Trade School, receiving her certificate for Aircraft Sheet Metal and Riveting in 1943. After graduation she worked in Memphis, Tennessee helping to construct aircraft for the war, and soon moved to Oakland, California where she became one of many "Rosie the Riveters" working in the warship manufacturing plant. Pollyanna's health made it necessary to move to Arizona where she soon found work, and a home, in Morristown, Arizona. She began working for the United States Postal Service in 1944, became Postmaster in 1962, and retired in 1973. During her time with the Post Office, she was a Clerk, Postmaster, and Traveling Postmaster Counselor. She continued to be active as a retired federal employee with the National Association of Postmasters of the United States in both the national and state organizations. She was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. She served as President of the General Federated Women's Club (GFWC) of Morristown, Arizona. She was also on the Morristown Cemetery Committee, where she spearheaded many improvements. During this time, her family continued to grow. On May 5, 1947, Benjamin was born in Wickenburg, Arizona. He was followed by a sister, Sharon on April 15, 1950. Cassie is survived by her sister, Clara Maxine Weems of Hazen, Arkansas; three children, Pollyanna Hoskin (Dale), Ben Crowder (Cecelia), and Sharon Torre (Tom); 6 grandchildren, Jeri Bennett (Robert), Duane Hoskin (Julie), Nicholas Strupp (Karen), Alycesun Strupp (Tim), Zachary Strupp (Brandi), and Christopher Crowder. She has also been blessed with 7 great grandchildren; Casey and Megan Bennett, Claire and Lexie Hoskin, Koi, Dakota, and Olivia Iverson. Funeral services will be Monday, April 18th, at 11:00 am, at the Wickenburg Funeral Home. Internment will follow at the Morristown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Morristown Cemetery Fund or the GFWC of Morristown, Arizona.