Colleen Eleanor Crane

Colleen Eleanor Jones was born on Thursday, February 13, 1930, in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas. She was the daughter of Bert and Phyllis (McGee) Jones. Colleen grew up in Richmond, Kansas until she was thirteen years old when her father’s employment with Power and Light led the family back to Ottawa. Ottawa was her home until her death on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the age of ninety-five.

Colleen graduated from Ottawa High School and enjoyed working part time at the Tauy Theatre. On June 3, 1950, Colleen united in marriage with Ralph Crane in Ottawa, Kansas. They shared 58 years of marriage until his passing on August 8, 2008. Together they raised their four amazing children where Colleen was the homemaker. Colleen and Ralph enjoyed a good ball game, they were always supporting friends and family at the ballpark along with being avid fans of the Jayhawks, Royals and Chiefs. It was nothing to see them out enjoying a ride around the countryside. Colleen loved her flowers, piddling in her yard, cruising around town with her Pitbull and she never missed a clearance aisle (clearancy).

Colleen and Ralph’s legacy include 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. She valued family gatherings and holidays, dedicating considerable effort to planning and hosting events that brought her family together and making each holiday magical. Her house was like the North Pole every Christmas Eve where her grandchildren’s eyes would light up with delight. They may even have on occasion had a surprise visit from Santa and one of his elves. Colleen ensured each guest always had a present to open and a full plate of food.

She is survived by son Terry Crane of Ottawa, daughter Sheri Whitaker and her husband Ron of Overbrook, Kansas, daughter Kerry Kloog and her husband Shawn of Gardner, Kansas, and foster son Ahmad Enayati, and his wife Cari of Pittsburg, Kansas, along with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents Bert and Phyllis, husband Ralph, sister Margie Jones, sister-in-law Leota Thompson, son Gary Crane, daughter-in-law Kandee Crane, grandson Brandon Crane and grandson-in-law Tommy Harmon.

Per Colleen’s request there will be no services with a private inurnment at a later date.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Care or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

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