Euna Pearl Crane

Euna Pearl Crane was born January 3, 1921 at the family home 9 miles northwest of Lamar, CO. Euna was the second child born to James Ralph and Ottilie Wade Dodd. Euna entered into heavenly rest on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the age of 92. We are grateful that at an early age Euna accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and now rests at home in Heaven. As a child Euna enjoyed spending time outdoors. She loved riding her horses and talked often about her experiences riding to and from school. She learned to play the piano, organ, accordion and mandolin. School years found her moving many times forcing her to build many new friendships in her lifetime. This was the building block that molded her into the strong, determined women that we all loved. Euna received her formal education in rural country schools in Prowers and Bent counties graduating from Lamar, CO in 1939. After high school she worked as a nurse at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Lamar, CO. On April 30, 1943 in Raton, NM Euna married Willie Crane who became her life-long companion and best friend for 58 years. To this beautiful unity nine (9) children were born. They built their home south of Springfield which became the family farm for 57 years. October, 2000 they purchased their retirement home in Springfield where she remained until illness moved her to the Cottage in Springfield. Even though Euna had heartaches in her life she always found her way through them by giving and receiving love from her greatest inspiration…her family. She loved laughing and having a good time. She spent many a snowy day playing games with her children and grandchildren, checkers and dominos where her favorites and she never let you win, she was a strong competitor. She loved picnics to the canyons and playing softball. She would take us places by reading to us as children and we all have many special memories of sitting on the floor around her rocking chair while she read to us. We would sit next to her on the piano bench while she played and sang songs from old gospel hymnals. Music was important to Euna, when arthritis overtook her hands she continued to set at her organ and played her favorite songs. She could quickly cook up a meal fit for a king and make a meal stretch to include anyone that might just happen to stop in, there was always room at her table for one more. Her favorite saying was …”never a clean house or a dull moment.” She was a women of many resources when it came to making life work…she could drive a tractor as good as any man, milk a cow, plant a garden, balance a budget, sew a beautiful dress, and still do all the motherly tasks. She loved to journal…if you ever wanted to know something that happened or what the weather had been on a given day just look in her journal…her handwriting was a work of art. Euna loved to travel. Just get in the car or motor home and go. Family has precious memories of trips to the Gulf of Mexico fishing and boating. Although Euna wasn’t fond of the water, she loved fishing and gathering sea shells to bring back to her grandchildren. A trip to the sand dunes of Colorado remains a precious memory of her jumping around in the sand to keep her feet from burning. She never wanted to move her family to town even though daddy would entertain that thought once in a while. She felt the country was the best place to raise her children. Mother’s unwavering commitment to building a solid family life was a blessing to us children. She wanted us to grow up knowing the comfort of a loving, caring family and community. In 2008 Euna was diagnosed with the unforgiving disease of “Alzheimer’s”. Even though she struggled with day to day activities, Euna remained strong and determined. In 2011 Euna went to live with her extended family at the Cottage. Euna continued to touch the lives of those around her showing her strength, laughter and faith. In her last week as the family stood by her side, we realized that once again she was teaching us. Teaching us to be strong and courageous, to never give up just because life may get tough, and to always remember that family is a gift to be cherished forever. Euna Pearl was preceded in death by her husband Willie Crane, three children: Carol, Rhonda, and Myron, son-in-law Roger P. Rau, Grandson Aaron, Granddaughter Jayne. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother. Euna Pearl will be sadly missed by her children: Carlos (Jane) Crane, Jane (Ray ) Melser, James (Karla) Crane, Gale (Deana) Crane, Merna (Vic) McGinnis and Lyndon (Lisa) Crane and 16 Grandchildren: Stephanie (Bruce) Hecht, Michael Rau, Bryan (Amy) Crane, Shilo (David) Dodd, Chantel (Mark) Hall, Jennifer (Curtis) Lubbers, Kerry Crane, Jason (Pamela) Crane, Saundra (Jarrod) Summers, Sharleen (Garrett) Wertz, Rodney (Malarie)Crane, Brittni (Mark) Giesbrecht, David, Davisa, Davette Montoya, Max Duncan and 26 great grand children, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Memorial contributions may be given to “The Cottage” 373 East 10th Ave. Springfield CO, 81073.