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In Memory

Jennie Sparks (Crane) - Class of 1938

Idaho State Journal, 05/25/04

BENNINGTON, Idaho, - Jennie Sparks Crane, 84, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2004, in the Bear Lake Skilled Nursing Facility in Montpelier, Idaho, surrounded by her devoted family. She has filled her life with loving and learning since her birth on Oct. 2, 1919, at the family home in Montpelier, Idaho. Her parents were George Alfred Sparks and Sarah Elizabeth Lewis.

Because her mother died during the great flu epidemic of 1918, 4-month-old baby Jennie was raised by her maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Nate Lewis.

Jennie married Jack R. Crane in the Salt Lake Temple on Jan. 25, 1939. Jennie loved life. She was a devoted wife and mother, cook, seamstress, 4-H leader, Relief Society and Primary teacher, artist, poet, gardener, dance instructor, volleyball player, DUP member, horseback rider, snowmobiler, genealogist, photographer, and traveler.She pursued learning throughout her life.

After her youngest children were in school, she worked as a waitress, a nurse's aide, and later served for five years as activity director at the Bear Lake Memorial Skilled Nursing Facility.

Jennie is survived by Jack, her sweetheart of 65 years; and seven of their eight children: Stephen (Charlotte) Crane, KaRee (Martin) Baker, Kristi Cleveland all of Bennington, Idaho; Glenn (Debarah) Crane of Pocatello, SunDee (Randall) White of Rupert, Idaho; Janet (Gail) Godfrey of Fielding, Utah, Polly (Lyman W.) June of Payson, Utah; 27 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren, one brother, David (Babette) Sparks; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Crane and Nilace Sparks; three sisters, Bethea Parsons, Betty Ebanks and Tessia McAllister.

Preceding her in death were daughter, Linda Crane Brittain; two brothers, William Heath Sparks and Ruland George Sparks; and two sisters, Adlel Norman and Georgia Kohler.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 28, at 11 a.m. in the Bennington Ward Chapel. Burial will be in the Bennington Cemetery.