Born in Leakey, Texas, on August 12, 1911, Edra Elliot Clark grew up in Utopia, Texas, where she was known as 'Toopie" and graduated from high school at the top of her class of three. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Hondo with her mother, Lela, and stepfather, Frank Tampke. There she met her husband-to-be, V. H. "Buster" Crow when he asked her to dance at a Diez y Seis street dance in front of the courthouse. Her new girlfriends warned her that Buster was a bit of a rounder, but her heart got the better of her, and, as she says, she did a great job of reforming him, perhaps too good: the marriage lasted for over 69 years until Buster's death in 1999. Buster and Edra were married in 1930 and welcomed their first daughter, Julia "Doolie" in September of 1931. The following depression years were especially tough, as Julie was a baby with a number of severe allergies, including an allergy to cows' milk. Family legends include many stories of car trips in an old Model T, carrying a baby and a live goat to produce milk for her - and with many stops to change flat tires. In 1932, Edra traveled to California to seek treatment for the baby under the supervision of her physician father, Dr. D. H. Clark. While there, she attended the 1932 Olympics on her 21st birthday and saw Babe Didrikson in person. In the late 1930s, the Crows purchased the business, which would be known as Crow's Cleaners and Men's Wear, from their brother-in-law, Ray Jennings. For 30 years, Edra worked side-by-side with Buster, filling in where needed, from working the front counter to doing alterations. During World War II, the cleaners ran night and day to service the military base located in Hondo. A second daughter, Ruth Ann, had come along in 1940, and this baby was often left with her grandparents in Utopia, so that Edra could work with Buster at the shop. Paget's disease finally forced Buster to retire in 1969, at which time the business was sold to Fred Graff. Edra was active in many church, charitable, civic, and social activities. She was active in all aspects of the First Baptist Church, was a charter member of the Hondo AARP and the Hondo Garden Club. She was active in the Eastern Star, holding a number of offices, including Worthy Matron and Worthy Advisor to the Rainbow Girls. In 1998, an article appeared in the Hondo Anvil Herald naming her one of several "Women of Distinction" in Hondo for her service to the local community. Edra has a keen sense of fun and enjoys people, a good joke, and a good game. She was a passionate fan of the Hondo Owls football team, never missing a game from her seat on the 50-yard line or an out-of-town game, often enjoying a bus trip with other fans. She was an enthusiastic member of a Bridge group and a Rook group well into her 90s. Edra's artistic talent and good taste were evident in all aspects of her life. She was a sharp dresser, maintained a lovely home, and was an excellent seamstress and cook. Perhaps her talents were most evident in her participation in the Hondo Garden Club, where she was a frequent grand prize winner for her innovative and gorgeous arrangements, was a frequent judge of floral entries at the County Fair and many other state-wide events, and was just short of receiving certification as a national judge. She was honored as a life member of the National Garden Club. Edra passed away Friday, March 21, 2014, at the age of 102. Survivors include daughters, Julia Biddle of Hondo and Ruth Firsching and husband Stanley Bull of Utopia; grandchildren and spouses, Patrick and Ruth Biddle, Michael and Sharon Biddle, Tracy Firsching and Brian Birzer, Donald Firsching and Laura Issen, Dana and John Pickens and Jay and Amelia Firsching; and numerous great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Friday, Mar. 28, 10:30 a.m., at Hondo Healthcare and Rehabilitation. The family suggests memorials may be made to the church or charity of your choice.