Dorothy Mae Craner, 95

Dorothy Mae Craner, 95, passed away on December 19, 2013 in the comfort 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 in Boise, ID. Dorothy was the fourth of five sisters: Irene, Ursul, Margaret and Edith, all of whom preceded her in death, the last being Margaret in July 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 Stibnite, 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 Bill 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. Bill drove a school bus and taxi, while Dorothy and Bill's brothers and sisters worked the ranch.

In 1953, Dorothy moved to St. Maries where she and Bill purchased the Corner Grocery; the only “Corner Grocery” in the middle of the block. This business endeavor became a family business where all the children worked in the store, which was open 11 hours a day, 365 days a year. The store was closed in 1978. Dorothy and Bill 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). Dorothy was the C.O.O. and C.F.O. of all their businesses; the person behind the scenes running and managing all aspects of the businesses.

Dorothy and Bill 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 Bill enjoyed attending dances on their travels as well as at home. Bill died in 1998, and after his death Dorothy remained in the family home on Jefferson Avenue 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” and 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, 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 County Humane Society; 53 Robinson Lane, 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