Charlene Crane, 89, passed away December 24, 2019 in Wichita, Kansas. She was born to Russell Crane and Virginia Vance on February 18, 1930 in Randall, Kansas.

Charlene was always a part of our family. She was our cousin Lorraine's close friend. During the holidays, she came with Lorraine and Aunt Cecelia and Uncle James Colaw. She got to know all of our children as they grew up. She was a positive person and always showed an interest in all of our family. We will truly miss her.

Charlene had a life career with Southwestern Bell and AT&T. She and Lorraine were companions since the 1950's. They would tell tales about their travels, like the night they went out with the mobster in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and of the places and people they had met on their annual vacation travels. We did not get together often, although we lived only a block apart, usually on holiday gatherings and dinners, and they would bring the Spear's pies. Charlene and Matt (our grandson we lost) were great buddies. When we got together, they would go on long walks through the park. She was always interested in the kids, asking them about their activities. When Charlene learned to drive in her seventies, she could be seen driving up and down Woodrow Avenue, practicing. Lake Tahoe was one of their favorite travel spots after they quit globetrotting. Later they would head to all the nearby casinos.

She had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but her health was generally good. She never complained about it saying, "That's boring". But last summer the elevator at the condo was out of order for 4 months and she would manage four flights of stairs.

The Blanford family were very good friends, who she would call on occasionally for rides, and take monthly to eat at the Truck Stop Buffet in Newton.