Judith "Judy" A. Crane's Obituary
CRANE, Judith “Judy” A., age 88, of Waynesville, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024, at Miami Valley South Hospital.
Judy worked for more than 15 years while the kids were growing up in the cafeteria for Wayne Local Schools. She retired from St. Leonard Senior Living in Centerville in the late 90s after after working nearly ten years at the retirement community. Over the years, they attended the Waynesville United Methodist Church and Ferry Church of Christ. She was one of the original EMTs for the Wayne Local Fire and Rescue Squad with her husband when it was established many years ago.
Caring, compassionate, and independent, Judy was often spunky and ornery in a fun way. She had an immense talent for sewing and crocheting. She took pride in making several clothes for her daughter when she was young. She also enjoyed flower gardening, caring for the backyard birds, and oil painting. She had a compassionate heart for animals and often took in or rescued several stray cats and dogs. Andy, a dog from California, two Siamese cats known as Sassie and Muffin, and her current cat, Lucky, have been some of her favorites. Of course, caring for her grandchildren has always given Judy the most pride. The grandchildren always enjoyed getting ice cream and cookies from her when their mom said no.
Judy enjoyed several traditions with the family. She traveled to many exciting places, including locations out west, Hawaii, California, a trip to Vermont for a wedding, and Lake Cumberland. In the years after Caesar Creek Lake was established, they enjoyed boating on their pontoon three times each week during the warmer months. In addition, Judy always made the family feel special at get-togethers during Christmas Eve and birthday parties. She will be remembered for her numerous sweaters, all the jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and sea shells she collected over the years. In addition, the family will never forget how delicious she made home caramel corn and puppy chow.
She was preceded in death by one son, Brent Crane; her daughter, Cathy Prewitt; and her parents, Ervin and Mary Smith. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Jim; son, Aaron (Melanie) Crane; four grandchildren, Amy (Christopher) Engel, Chad (Erin) Prewitt, Amanda (Aaron) Blust, and Jamie (Matt) Brown; ten great-grandchildren, Hannah, Emily, Hank, Sophia, Bridgid, Jacob, Kaylynn, Noah, Brooklynn, and Hoyt; and her sister, Joyce Benzing.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Friday, February 9, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. Steve Williamson will be officiating the services. The family will receive friends 11 AM - 1 PM Friday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the Miami Cemetery Association or the Wayne Township Fire and Rescue Squad if desired. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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