Alice Louise Crays Moon, 84, of Pittsfield, Illinois, and Bonita Springs, Florida passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at North Collier Hospital, Naples, Florida.

She was born June 10, 1924 in Rossville, Illinois the daughter of Louise and Harold Crays who preceded her in death.  She graduated from Rossville High School and attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.  In 1943, during WW II, she met and married Dr. Eugene (Bud) Moon, an Army officer.  After the war, Dr. Moon worked with the US Department of agriculture and was assigned to Pike County Illinois.  Even though future assignments led them to different locales, Pittsfield and Pike County remained “home” and they returned to the area on retirement.  Dr. Moon preceded her in death in 2005.

Alice had a great passion for life and family and friendships were the centerpieces.  She never knew a stranger, and she maintained and nurtured friendships even as her health and eyesight failed.  She was an avid bridge player and played with her usual group the Wednesday prior to her hospitalization.  She also loved the Chicago Cubs-watching a game with her was never a placid occasion!  In addition, she was an avid golfer, and a former member of the Old Orchard Country Club of Pittsfield, Illinois.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands:  Melinda and Tom Dawe of Albuquerque, NM; Christy and Patrick Browning of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and her son and his wife,

Steve and Laura Moon of Bonita Springs, Florida.  She is also survived by five grandchildren: Ian Dawe, Tyler Dawe, Erin Browning, Ryan Browning and Elaine Moon and her cousins, Barbara and Jim Love and Tom Crays.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Pittsfield, Illinois with Rev. Linda Peyla officiating.  Burial at the St. Stephen Episcopal Cemetery, Pittsfield, Illinois.    Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 5 – 7 pm at the  Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Joanne’s House of Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 or the Pittsfield First United Methodist Church or the Pittsfield Public Library.

Condolences to the family may be sent online to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL is handling the services.