Etha LaReine Crandall

Etha LaReine Bell Crandall, age 86, passed away on January 1, 2024, in East Lansing, Michigan, after a full and fulfilling life. She was born on August 26, 1937, in Hillsdale, Michigan to Mary (Nichols) Bell and Archie Bell. Etha graduated high school from Adelphian Academy in Holly, Michigan. At the age of 19 she embarked on a successful career as a Medical Secretary and enjoyed that line of work until her retirement.

In 1961 she married Jerry Crandall and over their 63 years together, they built a life full of love, travel, and jazz music. If it grew in dirt and flowered, then it was something for Etha to nurture. She passed on her love of gardening to her daughter, Dawn. An avid reader, Etha always had a book, or two, in progress. She loved to travel and discover new foods. A holiday wasn’t a holiday without decorations, family, friends, and chocolate chip cookies. Each guest was welcomed at the door with open arms and warm hugs. Her family will especially remember her Thanksgiving dinners which included the best dressing ever.

Etha was a “forever kid,” and played on the floor with her nephews when they were young for as long as they would let her. She lit up the room with her smiles, hugs, and personality. You just knew the occasion would be more fun because Etha was there. Later in life, Etha became a regular at Old Town Pilates where she could ‘plank’ with the best of them. She truly loved her Pilates classes and the many friends she made at the studio. Etha lived a full and generous life that will continue to shine in the memories of all who knew her.

Etha was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, L.G. and Leona Crandall; her infant daughter, Cathie; her sister, Sharron (Bell) White; her sister-in-law, Betsy Crandall; and her nephews, Mark Grant and Scott Crandall.

In addition to her husband Jerry, she is survived by her daughter Dawn Crandall of Holt, Michigan; sisters, Nora Bell of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Beverly Marks of Jonesville, Michigan and Apryl Shelton of Chino Valley, Arizona; brothers-in-law, Les (Aiko) Crandall of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Charlie Crandall of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; and by her many beloved nieces and nephews.

There will be no funeral or memorial service. However, Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan.