Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Crane

Elizabeth “Betty” Crane age 76 of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, December 13, 2012 at home with family. Elizabeth Elenora Lundon, the daughter of Leo and Kathryn (Broers) Lundon, was born January 19, 1936 in Ada, MN. She attended country school and then St. Michael’s Catholic School through the 8th grade. In 1956, Betty was united in marriage to Lawrence Crane. The couple first made their home on the Iron Range before moving back to Mahnomen, where Betty helped her uncle, Leo Broers, doing field work for many years. In 1971, Lawrence and Betty bought a farm west of Mahnomen. They raised cattle, pigs, chickens, small grains and also milked cows for many years. Since Lawrence worked at Wild Rice Electric, Betty did most of the field work. After selling their animals in the mid 1990’s, Betty worked several food prep jobs including Checkerboard Pizza, The Center of Human Environment and Mahnomen Health Center. Lawrence and Betty built a “shack” in the woods as well as cleared trails for their 4-wheelers. She loved riding the trails and spending time at the “shack” just watching the animals and hoping to see a deer or two. Betty was always appreciative of the simple things in life and spending time with her family was very important. She was very proud of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of Betty’s best times were spent with grandkids at the lake, parties and sleepovers at the “shack” and staying at the “shack” during hunting season with her hunting partners-Katie, Tiffany and Nikki. She also enjoyed watching her grandson, brothers and nephews race stock cars. Betty was a true outdoor enthusiast, whether on a tractor, lawn mower, four-wheeler or hunting she just loved to be outside. With her wonderful sense of humor, Betty could always make you smile and her laugh was simply contagious. Betty was a member of St. Michael’s Parish and Family Aid and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lawrence of Mahnomen; four daughters: Kathy Thorpe (Jerry), Connie Starkey (Don Thomford), Karen Ahmann (Wayne) and Lorraine Moore all of Mahnomen; nine grandchildren: Ken Crane (Heather) of Mahnomen, Josh Thorpe (Michelle), of Naytahwaush, MN, Katie and Tiffany Ahmann, both of Fargo, Kevin and Nikki Ahmann, Cody and Lydia Moore all of Mahnomen and Terry ”Bud” Starkey Jr., of Fargo, ND; three great-grandchildren: Tristan Bjerke, London Thorpe and Layla Moore; brothers, William Lundon (Lois) and Terry Lundon (Bri) both of Mahnomen; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother and sister in law, Frank and Ethyl Lundon. A Funeral Mass was held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at St. Michael’s Church in Mahnomen, with Fr. Tony Fernando officiating. Diane Spaeth served as pianist and Carol Buschette as song leader. Serving as pallbearers were Jesse Lundon, Shane Lundon, Frances Lundon, Jerry Lundon, Dean Lundon, Roger Crane, and Kevin Crane. Honorary bearers were all of Betty’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation was held on Monday, December 17, 2012 from 5-7pm with Prayer Service and Rosary at 6:30pm at St. Michael’s Church. The Prayer Service was led by Deacon Nick Revier and music was provided by Trisha Simon. Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Justine 2020 led the Rosary. Interment was at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Crane

January 19, 1936 - December 13, 2012