Jean Crane, 88, died at Whidbey Island Manor, Oak Harbor on Nov. 24, 2008. She was born Oct. 6, 1920 in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada to Marl E. and Ann (Holmes) Walsmley.

Jean was raised in Flint, Mich., the middle of seven children. She was the smallest of the children but the spunkiest of the seven. She attended high school in Flint and met her high school sweetheart, Earl John Crane. Jean and Earl were married in Flint on July 21, 1941.

Jean followed her husband as he served with the U.S. Army. Following the war, they settled in Jackson, Mich., where Jean worked first as a waitress and then as a beautician. Eventually, the Cranes moved to San Jose, Calif.

During retirement, Jean and Earl enjoyed traveling in their fifth wheel, spending winters in Yuma, Ariz., and summers in Yerington, Nev. Jean enjoyed watching the birds, gardening and fishing. She loved the out-of-doors. Following the death of her husband in 2000, Jean moved to Oak Harbor to be with her son.

Jean is survived by two children and their spouses: John and Debbie Crane of Oak Harbor and Elvin E. and Violet Crane of Tennessee and one grandson, Nathan Crane of Oak Harbor. Her husband Earl John Crane and six brothers and sisters preceded her in death.

Jean requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.