Ruth Crane

Ruth Jean “Jeannie” (Dorland) Crane, age 97, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at her home with family at her side.

Jeannie was born in Chippewa Falls on January 18, 1920 to Dr. Leon and Esther (Anderson) Dorland. She grew up in Chippewa Falls and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1937 and then from the Kahler School of Nursing, Rochester, MN in 1941.

Ruth Jean and Lloyd Crane were married in Chippewa Falls on November 15, 1941, and Jeannie joined Lloyd in Virginia during his deployment during WWII. Following the war, they returned to Chippewa Falls where Lloyd returned to the Crane Lumber Company and they raised their two sons. She was an obstetrical nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls for many years and later worked as an RN at the Northern Center in Chippewa Falls. Jeannie loved working in her beautiful gardens and there was plenty of space for her beloved horses. Jeannie enjoyed entertaining, and traveled extensively. She was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church and President of the Ladies Aide. She was dedicated to the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as President, as well as Chapter BF of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Tri T and her two bridge clubs. She and Lloyd loved boating on the Mississippi and traveling to Mexico with friends. For 20 years they spent a month in Hawaii, enjoying many of those with Lloyd’s brother Neal Crane.

Following Lloyd’s death in 2000, Jeannie was united in a spiritual partnership with Earl Scholl on December 13, 2003. Earl passed in 2009. She leaves her extended family with many wonderful memories. She was an exemplary role model for all.

Ruth Jean is survived by sons, David (Vicky) Crane and Hugh (Marcia) Crane, all of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren Gregory (Sara) Crane of Columbia Heights, MN, Tracey (Blake) Brunkenhoefer, Marsha (David) Burkett, all of Corpus Christi, TX, Melissa (Travis) Martin, Meghan (Josh) Crane-Anderson and Mollie Crane, all of Chippewa Falls; 3 step-grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Ruth Jean was preceded in death by her brother; parents; husband; partner; and brother-in-law.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Chippewa Falls Humane Society or Chapter BF P.E.O. Sisterhood.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Jeannie’s care-giving family for their tender, loving care during her journey; and also to Mayo Clinic Hospice for their kind support.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services is serving the family.

Visit pedersonvolker.com to express condolences online.