Mona Lou (Mort Dodge) Crawford, 92, lifelong resident of Evart passed away peacefully at The Curry House of Cadillac on September 9, 2025.

Mona Lou was born December 3, 1932, in Evart, Michigan to Beatrice and Ezra Mort. She attended school in Evart and met her husband Donald Dodge while standing on the sidewalk with friends in High School. After graduating from Evart High School, Mona Lou and Donald were married December 16, 1950. They were blessed with two sons, Dennis and Danny, and raised their family in Evart.

Mona Lou worked for a year for American News Company in Flint and then worked for 23 years at Evart Products Company. She was an avid photographer and loved the outdoors.

A lifelong champion of her community, Mona Lou could usually be found volunteering for school or church events. She was an extremely social and loving lady and was always present for life’s important moments. Mona Lou was active in the Evart United Methodist Church, championing committees and luncheons and showing up with her peanut butter cookies and Texas sheet cake.

Mona Lou loved to travel. She and her second husband, Donald Crawford (married July 28, 1984), traveled to all 50 states, most of Canada, and took several trips to Europe. She was a huge supporter of education and volunteered for many years in the Evart school system. Many Evart students called her grandma Mona Lou, and she loved helping them learn to read. In 2009 she was named one of the Outstanding Friend of Education by the Michigan Education Association 15-B Coordinating Council.

Mona Lou is survived by her son, Danny Dodge of Evart, daughter-in-law Deborah (Dennis) Dodge of Fennville, daughter-in-law Lisa (Dodge) Kent of Traverse City, granddaughter Hilary Dodge of Buckley, grandson Jason (Nicole) Dodge of Grand Rapids, grandson Jarrett Dodge of Evart, and great grandchildren Tyler, Noah, Emma, and Reece, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that are considered family.

Preceding Mona Lou in death are parents Beatrice and Ezra Mort, brother and sister-in-law Vernon and Margurite Mort, sister and brother-in-law Helen Jean and Melvin Thomas Mort, and brother-in-law Hank, an infant son Tommy (1953), husband Donald Dodge (1982), husband Donald Crawford (2017), and son Dennis (2020).

Mona Lou’s family is extremely thankful for the loving care and compassion that she received while residing at The Curry House. We would also like to thank DJ, Jessica, and Heartland Hospice for your unwavering support during these final days.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4PM to 6PM on Friday, September 12th at Corey Funeral Home in Evart and one hour prior to the service on Saturday, September 13th, from noon (12PM) to 1PM. Services - 1PM. She'll be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery immediately following the service.

The Dennis M Dodge Engineering Scholarship has been established at Lake Superior State University in honor of Mona Lou’s late son, Dennis. In memorial of Mona Lou, contributions may be directed to: LSSU Foundation, www.lssu.edu/give,  then select "other designation" and type the scholarship name in the field indicated "Gift Designation."