Gail Newton Craig

PORTLAND – Gail Newton Craig, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Jan. 13, 2026, at the age of 81. She was born on April 8, 1944, in Lewiston, and was raised in South Paris, where she attended local schools and graduated from Oxford Hills High School. Gail later continued her education at Bliss College in Lewiston.

On June 12, 1971, Gail married the love of her life, Elsmore “Butch” Craig. In 1972, they made their home in Minot, Maine, where they raised their four children and built a life centered on family, hard work, and shared memories.

Gail dedicated more than 40 years to the insurance industry, serving as office manager for The Whitmore Agency in Auburn. She was well respected by colleagues and clients alike, and her commitment and professionalism were recognized when she was honored as Insurance Woman of the Year.

Outside of her career, Gail found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed fishing, birdwatching, and playing cards, and loved traveling with Butch in their RV, creating many special memories together. She had a passion for auto racing and enjoyed watching sports – especially cheering on her children and grandchildren at their games, something that brought her great happiness.

Gail is survived by her husband of more than 54 years, Elsmore C. “Butch” Craig; her daughters Nancy B. Craig, Shelah J. Rawstron (Ryan), and Janet M. Craig (Dave), her son, Brian N. Craig (Gretchen); her grandchildren, Clifford Craig (Ashley), Michael Rawstron (Kyra), Nicholas Labbe (Colleen), Cody Craig (Kassidy), Levi Craig, Abigail Fuller, Alexis “Lexi” Fuller, Joseph “JT” Fuller, and Gavin Rawstron; her great-grandchildren, Meagan, Thatcher, Ella, Addilynn, Beckett, Bowden, and Owen; and her sisters Jean Newton (Andrew), Mary Rawlings (Chuck), and Beth Heino (Dennis).

A memorial visitation will be held on Jan. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Kora Temple, 11 Sabattus St., Lewiston. A celebration of Gail’s life will follow at the same location beginning at 4 p.m. Additional parking is available across the street behind 287 Main St. Gail will be laid to rest at Center Hill Cemetery in Minot.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gail’s memory to the American Lung Association.