Connie Marie Crane

Connie Crane, 46, of Aurora, CO, passed away unexpectedly on April 10, 2008, having persevered for six years with a serious lung and heart ailment. Connie was a friend to every person she met, a funny, smart, warm, kind woman who was a success in her relationships and in her long career as a bookseller and manager for Barnes & Noble.

Connie was born in Rapid City, SD, on September 28, 1961 and spent her

early years in Sioux Falls, Flandreau, Mitchell and Fedora, SD. She

graduated from Flandreau High School and attended Dakota Wesleyan University. She married Stan Crane of Mitchell in 1983 and brought her beloved son, Jacob, into the world in 1989; Connie lived in Iowa, Wisconsin and Florida before settling in Colorado in 1990.

In addition to Stan and Jacob, she is survived by her mother, Elaine

(LeRoy) Misfeldt, Pipestone, MN; her sister, Vicki Tirrel (Ed Lotterman) of St. Paul, MN; her brother, Blaine (Mary) Tirrel of Mt. Vernon, SD; her mother-in-law, Colleen Jonnassen of Mitchell, SD; sisters-in-law, Deb (Tim) Kirkpatrick of Pierre, SD, Vicki (Mike) Letcher of Parkston, SD, Chris (Jason) Stevens of Arvada, CO; a brother-in-law, Devin (Cassie) Crane of Branson, MO; her birth father, Gary (Mary) Bishop, Huron, SD; a half brother and half sister; many Benz, Bishop, Tirrel and Crane in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; her dogs, Dakota and Glory; and too many friends to name.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, as well as her dad, Frank Tirrel, and her father-in-law, Darrell Crane, who are now enjoying her company in eternal life.

Connie loved books, small children, helping people, dogs, singing in the car, watching her son, Jacob play lacrosse, telling many stories of Jacob growing up, puzzles and games, rooting for her Colorado sports teams, always cheering for the underdog and puns. She was an active member in her church, Smoky Hill United Methodist.