07/29/2026
The softball community is enormous but very tight at the same time. I want to take a moment and recognize the loss of this young lady who had so much potential on and off the diamond. It’s unimaginable that someone so young felt the need to take her own life but mental health issues don’t follow the rules. As coaches we have the ability to be a positive influence or a very negative influence on the way these kids feel about life and I’ve made it my goal to support my players in a way that builds and never breaks. I want my players past, present and future to know that if they are feeling this way they can talk to a teacher, a parent, a coach. Please give yourself the opportunity for a better tomorrow the world is never better without you.
Willow Rayne Crawford, 13, of Edinburgh, passed away on July 25, 2026. She was born June 19, 2013, in Indianapolis.
Willow made her home with her grandparents, Rocky and Rebecca Hodges, who lovingly raised and cared for her. She is survived by her mother, Sarah Romans; great-grandmother, Phyllis Weesner of Marion; brothers, Michael D. Crawford and Chase L. Crawford, both of Edinburgh; Uncle Donald (Melissa) Sizemore of Marion; Aunt Heather Lents of Indianapolis; Aunt Heather (Matt) Wharff of Iowa; Aunt Stacie (Ryan) Young of Iowa; Aunt Erin Marie Lutz of Indianapolis; Uncle Jeremiah Rimer of Indianapolis; Dylan (Britt) Hodges of Ft. Wayne, Justin Kinser of Indianapolis; and cousins, Ella Sizemore, Danielle Sizemore, Jerrett Weesner, Heather Lents,
Christopher Lents, Travis (Morgan Richards) Cunningham, Alexandra Cunningham, Meagan (Josh Feuerstein, Richard (Dawn) Weesner, Brooke Weesner, Jordan Weesner, Kenna Terrell, Katie Weesner, Victor Gray, Autumn (Jesse Lay) Lutz, Allison Asbury, Jaxson Holifield, Lilly Lay, Alaina Lay, Jeremiah Rimer, Madison Asbury, Cerenda Wharff of Iowa, Mathea Wharff of Iowa, Waleila Wharff, Brett Hancock, Adam Hancock, and Jason Hancock, Jessica (AJ)
Gunaino, Kelsey (Tyler) Carter, Mackenzie (James) Harger, Tristyn (Sean) Rennich, Severin Young, Serenity (Reed) Wolfe. Great-Uncle Tim (Mary Weesener) of Marion; Terri (Adam Terrell) Cunningham of Muncie; Nanette Weesner of Portland, Janet (Russ) Hancock of
Arizona. And special thanks to Aunt Tammy and Uncle Jerry Edwards and Uncle Jim Dodd.
She is preceded in death by Grandfather Tim Sizemore and Great-grandfather Russell Weesner.
Willow was a sweet and fierce young lady who packed a big punch into her thirteen years. She loved her family deeply, treasured her friendships, and brought plenty of personality and determination to the things she loved.
Athletics were a big part of Willow’s life. She began playing softball through Edinburgh Parks and Recreation when she was just six years old, and the game quickly became one of her passions. Over the years, she played two seasons with Indiana Xtreme and Edinburgh Chaos. She played softball for Edinburgh Middle School, and most recently with Lady Griz. Willow was also a cheerleader for seven years and played basketball for Edinburgh Middle School and
became a member of Indiana Hustl Amburgey softball team.
Away from the ball field and gym, Willow loved being outdoors and having adventures. She enjoyed swimming and boating, horseback riding, being at the lake with her brothers Michael and Chase, cousins Ella and Dani, and taking Jeep trail rides with her grandpa. She was always ready for a little excitement and was never afraid of a theme park thrill ride. She especially loved spending time with her dog Bella.
Willow’s thirteen years were far too brief, but they were filled with family, friendships, ball games, adventures, laughter, and many memories that will remain precious to those who knew and loved her.
Her loss is especially grieved by the church family at Christ Fellowship Church. Pastor Paul Burton will officiate Willow’s funeral service at 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, in the gymnasium
of the Edinburgh Community High School. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at the high school.
A committal service and burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Rest Haven. Arrangements have been entrusted to Community Funeral Care, Edinburgh.
