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Suzanne “Tootie” Denton Cravens
Suzanne “Tootie” Denton Cravens, a beloved member of our community, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Born in August 1937 to RJ and Cymbeline Denton, Tootie was raised in the Audubon and East End neighborhoods of Henderson, where she and her sisters were lifelong members of Audubon Baptist Church.
A proud graduate of Barrett Manuel Training High School in 1955. She was captain of the cheerleading team, elected to the homecoming court, and on the school council. At a young age, she learned to dance and jitterbug at the YMCA and Markwell Dance Studio in Henderson, where she met many lifelong friends.
Tootie worked hard her entire life, starting as a carhop at a young age and then taking her skills she learned in high school to her professional career. As a legal secretary she earned much respect working with attorneys Bob Trimble, CB West, and many others. In 1982, she was an administrative assistant to several community members, laying the foundation for the establishment of St. Anthony’s Hospice.
During the mid-1980s, Tootie began her career at the Henderson County Courthouse, beginning in the Treasurer’s Office before becoming a Deputy Sheriff under Dennis Clary for nearly a decade. In 1994, she began her tenure as Fiscal Court Clerk in the office of County Judge, Sandy Lee Watkins. She retired from the Judge’s office in March 2011.
Tootie never forgot where she came from or who “her people” were. She was an expert in local history, frequently sought after to provide insights into the past, business locations, family connections, and various other connections. Her passion for her heritage inspired her to educate others about the importance of learning family history, staying informed about current events, engaging with political offices and campaigns, and exercising their right to vote. She also emphasized the value of community volunteerism and supporting non-profit organizations. Additionally, she valued active listening and meaningful conversations with others.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Tootie cherished her love for bowling and golf. Over the course of more than 50 years, she made numerous lifelong friends on the lanes and on the golf courses. She looked forward to her time with her teammates and friends as they embarked on national celebrations of her State Doubles Title in bowling and participated in various Nationals trips across the country. Never taking her friendships for granted, she also enjoyed traveling with many elementary and high school classmates, planning class reunions, visiting racetracks and enjoying margarita Monday’s.
Tootie’s was an AVID sports fan, particularly UK basketball, local Henderson County Colonel sports, and the Henderson Flash baseball team. She also enjoyed riding on the back of her husband Ronnie’s Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and touring back roads with their friends in the Gold Wing Club. She was considered an unofficial food critic, knowing every worthwhile restaurant within a 50-mile radius of her home. She shared these passions and hobbies with her children and friends.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Darrell and Mauricia Cravens, Barry and Mara Beth Fowler Cravens, Jayne Cravens and Stefan Dietz, and Rhonda Cravens and Kevin Richard, along with her grandchildren: Denton Jay “DJ” Cravens and his son, Jack; Annaleigh Richard, and AdaJayne Richard. She is also cherished by her baby sister, Charla Denton Smithhart, and her nieces and nephews.
Tootie preceded in death by her parents, RJ and Cym Denton, her husband, Ron Cravens, and her sister, Norma Denton Fryer.
The funeral services will be held at Chapel Hill Church, where Tootie was a longtime member. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 21st, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 22nd, from 9:00 am until the service time at the church. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday. Her pallbearers will be her children, whom she carried and who will now carry her.
In lieu of flowers, Tootie’s family requests donations to the following charities in memory of Ron and Tootie Cravens.
1. Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor (WARM): 56 N. McKinley Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420
2. St. Anthony’s Hospice: 2410 South Green Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420
3. Chapel Hill Church Building Fund: 2601 US Hwy 60 East, Henderson, Kentucky 42420
Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home. Please visit www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com to share memories and words of comfort with Tootie’s family.
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