Obituary of Dorothy M. Craner

Dorothy Mae Craner (95) passed away on December 19, 2013 in the comforts of her own home in St. Maries. A place she called home for the past 60 years. Dorothy was born on June 25, 1918 to Thomas and Gertrude (Gribble) Osborne at Boise, ID. Dorothy was fourth of five sisters; Irene, Ursul, Margaret and Edith all of whom preceded her in death. The last being Margaret in August of this year. Dorothy graduated from Boise High School and went to work at Woolworth's as her first job. As a young woman, she enjoyed singing in a local acapella choir. She met and Married Bill L. Craner in 1939. In 1940, they moved to Stubnite , Idaho for work at the Bradley Mining Co. Their next move was to Osburn, Idaho in the Silver Valley to continue working in the mining industry. During this time, her husband went out scouting to find a farm to buy with his parents and young siblings. In 1943, the two Craner families purchased the family ranch of 80 acres in the Benewah Valley from Les fields. Her husband drove school bus and taxi while she and her husband's brothers and sisters worked the ranch. In 1953, Dorothy moved to St. Maries where she and her husband purchased the Corner Grocery, the only "Corner Grocery" in the middle of the block. This business endeavor became a family business, where all children worked in the store, which was open 11 hours a day 365 days a year. The store was closed in 1978. Dorothy and her husband started, and operated numerous businesses. Including, but not limited to the timberline Motel, Craner construction (building and selling) numerous family homes in St Maries, owning many rental properties and Wild Bill's Frontier Town at Stateline, ID outside Post Falls, ID. Dorothy was the C.O.O. and C.F.O. of all their businesses, the person behind the scenes, running and managing all the aspects of the businesses. Dorothy and her husband were very hard working people with a great work ethic. They loved to vacation, traveling to many areas including Mexico, Hawaii, the Bahamas and Las Vegas. Dorothy loved music and dancing. She and her husband enjoyed attending dances on their travels as well as at home. Her husband Bill died in 1998. After his death, Dorothy remained in the family home on Jefferson Ave. until her death on December 19th. Dorothy was able to stay in her own home only through the help and care of her extended family "Spud" and Sue Mellen for 15 years. She was able to have 24 hour care at home through the help of Sue Mellen, Becky Barber, Amber Jensen and Angie Derry in her final days which was directed by; Hospice of North Idaho. Words truly cannot express the gratitude Dorothy and her family would like to express to these wonderful women. The kindness, concern, love, and expert skills exhibited by; these "Angels" given to Mom gave her true comfort and peace in her final days of life. Thank you so much once again, ladies". Dorothy is survived by her daughters Jean (Allen) Webb of West Richland, WA, Deborah Dickinson of Post Falls, ID, Becky (Steve) Hovey of Lewiston, ID and her son Billie Craner of St. Maries, ID. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by son-in-law Jim Dickinson in 2010. At her request, no services will be held. The family suggests memorials to either Benewah Co. Humane Society; 53 Robinson Ln. , St. Maries, ID 83861 or Hospice of North Idaho 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835. Visit her online memorial and sign her guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Dorothy Craner's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.