Carol Jane (Delaney) Cragen, 81, of Whiteland, IN, passed away peacefully in her home on May 21, 2024 at 2:09 a.m., surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren.

She was born on January 30, 1943 in Indianapolis, IN to Paul and Dorothy (Lane) Delaney.  She married Delbert Ray Cragen on June 12, 1966 in Martinsville, IN.  Together they created a beautiful life together and for their family.

Carol Jane was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She loved being outside when the weather was the warmest, gardening, painting and collecting Santa Claus figurines and spending time with friends and family.

Carol Jane is survived by her husband Delbert Cragen of Whiteland, IN two children Joseph (Hannah Henry) Cragen of Whiteland, IN and Shelli Cragen of Franklin, IN, a granddaughter Taelor Cragen of Franklin, IN, a grandson Kase Cragen of Whiteland, IN, great-grandchildren Natalee Stapert, Felicity Stapert, and Remington Stapert, three sisters Jody Hammack of  Martinsville, IN, Joyce Dawson of Spencer, IN, Janice Anthony of Martinsville, IN and a brother James "Sonny" Hatfield of Greene County, IN as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Carol Jane was preceded in death by her grandparents James E. and Sarah Emma (Tschanz) Farrand; parents Paul and Dorothy (Lane) Delaney and her sister Sarah (Delaney) England.

Carol Jane was a member of First Christian Church in Bargersville. She was a lifetime Licensed Practical Nurse leading to her title of MDS Coordinator at Altenheim Senior Living in Indianapolis.

Although physical pain and illness were a constant part of her life, Carol Jane never complained and unless you knew of her history, you would hardly know she was sick. Her love for and belief in the promises of God are truly a reflection of "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me."

The Reverend Dustin Hite will conduct a service on Saturday May 25, 2024 at 10:30AM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/carolcragen.  Friends may call Friday, May 24, 2024 from 4PM until 8PM at the mortuary and Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 9AM until service time.  Burial will follow the service at Harris Cemetery in Bargersville, IN.

The family request memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church in Bargersville P.O. Box 15 Bargersville, IN 46106 or the Indiana Donor Network Foundation, 3760 Guion Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222 or at www.indianadonornetwork.org/foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.