Tamara M. Crites

Tamara Mae (Eakes) “Tammy” Crites, 63, of Holton, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025.

She was born June 28, 1961, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Casper and Joan (McNaught) Eakes, Jr. She was a 1979 graduate of Topeka High School.

Tammy was employed as a Topeka State Journal newspaper delivery girl in her earlier years and was proud to receive an award for her dedication. She later worked for Blaylock Drug Store in Topeka, EDS in Topeka, served as an office assistant for Dr. Kirk Wanless, and part time for Kogers General Store in Holton, KS. She was a dedicated stay at home Mom and later Grandma.

Tammy married Marc E. Crites on December 26, 1990 in Topeka, Kansas. He survives in Holton. Other survivors include two children, Shelby Crites of Topeka; Joseph Crites of Holton; three grandchildren, Kyleigha, Keyonna and Malakai; her sister, Candy Bayless of Topeka; her brother, Gary (Deneise Lane) Eakes of Topeka; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Terry Eakes.

Tammy loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and had a great love of all of her animals. She enjoyed having fun, collecting M&M dispensers, sewing, gardening, watching TV and was a “homebody and hippie at heart”.

Honoring her request, cremation is planned. A celebration of life memorial ceremony will be at 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2025 at Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association of Kansas, 8400 W. 110th Street, Ste. 130, Shawnee Mission, KS 66210.

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