Keota Crane

KANE-  Keota (Darr) Crane, 83, died at 8:45 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.She was born on Nov. 27, 1928, one of three children born to the late Lee Orville & Anna (Gardiner) Darr.Keota graduated from Kane High School, and completed her senior year at Carrollton Community High School.She pursued her education, by attending MacMurray College in Jacksonville.Prior to her marriage she  worked as a teletype at the Western in East Alton, and later worked at Monsanto in St. Louis, Mo.She married Donald R. Crane on April 20, 1952 while he was stationed with the U.S. Army in Anchorage, Alaska, they enjoyed a two year honeymoon.  Don & Keota recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.After their return home from Alaska, Don & Keota began farming.  She was a dedicated wife and mother of three, and took care of all the farm books.  They also owned and operated Crane's Grocery in Kane for several years.Keota was a longtime and loyal member of the Kane United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committees, taught Sunday School, and was a gifted pianist, organist and vocalist.  She served her church with passion, and one of true callings was tending to the needs of the sick and elderly.Surviving are her husband, Donald Crane of Kane; a daughter & son in law, Kimberly & Roger Thomas of Jerseyville; two sons & daughters in law, Scott & Carolyn Crane of Kane, and Marty & Beth Crane of Carrollton; serven grandchildren & their spouses, Jason Egelhoff of St. Louis, Mo., Kyle & Jill Thomas of Glen Carbon, Amanda & Andy Wegrzyn of Jerseyville, Christina & Brian McAfee of Medora, Travis Crane of Peoria, Trevor & Megan Crane of Colorado Springs, Co., and Page Crane a student at Illinois State University in Normal; three great grandchildren, Clare, Kolbe and Hunter; a dear sister in law, Doris Darr of Jerseyville.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers & a sister law, Kenneth E. Darr & Keith & Glenda Darr.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kane United Methodist Church with Rev. Joann Ruff officiating.Burial will be in the Kane Cemetery.Memorials may be given to the Kane United Methodist Church or to the Alzheimers Association

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home