Myrna Dell Craner

Myrna Dell Craner 80, of Rupert, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family February 11, 2022.

Myrna was born March 2, 1941 in Bremerton, WA to Verlin “Bean” & Glenice Stevenson.  She was welcomed to the family by her older brother; Denny.  In 1945 her brother Allan was born, and in 1950 her sister, Theresa was born.  The family lived near the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, her father and uncles provided for their families working in the shipyards during the war.  The family later moved to the Murtaugh/Hansen, Idaho area where most of Myrna’s childhood was spent.  She attended schools in Hansen and Murtaugh.  One of her favorite things to do was ride horses with her friends.  One day while riding along the canal bank she was bucked off her horse and suffered 2 dislocated knees, it was that accident that sparked her fear of horses.  After that, Myrna loved to watch the horses from a distance but refused to get close.

Myrna met Donald Craner late in 1956, after a short courtship they married in 1957 in Elko, NV.  Their family started with the birth of their daughter Kelley Dee in 1958, Verlin Max was born in 1961, he passed away two days later from birth defects of the heart.  Kristina Dawn joined the family in 1963, the family was complete when Kyle Donald was born in 1971.  In the early 80’s Jimmy Gouhl came along and spent every summer with Myrna and Donald and eventually he moved in, they raised him from then on as their own.  Myrna and Donald lived in various houses around the Murtaugh area until they bought the farm in 1976.  She enjoyed helping Donald around the farm and tending to the baby calves and chickens.  After 30+ years of marriage they divorced. 

Myrna spent her early years working on the family farm, and in many warehouses doing various jobs from sorting potatoes and beans to driving trucks.  She received her GED from the College of Southern Idaho and started a journey to pursue a degree in Accounting.  However, her passion was working in food service, cooking and serving.  Anyone that has had the pleasure of sitting at her table knows she was an excellent cook.  We all loved her pies and desserts.  In the early 80’s Myrna and her mother bought a little cafe right along Highway 30 in Murtaugh.  Many of her lifelong friendships sparked over a cup of coffee, piece of pie or a plate full of home cooked food.     

Myrna loved spending time outside, creating flower beds, weeding, and watering.  It was the outdoors that brought her the greatest joy.  She loved to watch the birds, especially the hummingbirds, and squirrels.  I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a bird or animal she didn’t love.  She always had a variety of animals hanging around.  Her love for chickens followed her from outside into her house.  She had a collection of chickens beyond belief.  

Myrna is survived by her daughters; Kelley (Monte) Bohannon of Kimberly, Kris (Andy) Ortega of Ennis, MT, her son Kyle Craner of Rupert, ID.  Her grandchildren; Becky (Charlie) of Kimberly, ID, Stephanie (Scott) Henderson of Rupert, ID, Joshua Young of Nampa, ID, Greg, Mathew and Ryan Ortega of Ennis, MT, Michael (Audra) Ortega of Glasgow, MT, Justina (BJ) Bailey and Kyleen (Kevin) Victor of Twin Falls, ID, Ethan (Whitney) Craner of Yuma, AZ, Hazen and Alexis Moss of Meridian, ID.  Great-Grandchildren; Kelsey Johnson, Tristan Hendricks (Drake), Layton Henderson, Remington, Jaxon and Kennadie Bailey, Nola Victor, Adyson and Lane Craner, Hayzle, Ava and Callie Ortega.  Great-Great-Granddaughter; Sydney Hendricks.  Brother; Allan (Trish) Stevenson of Hazelton, ID and Sister; Theresa (Dick) Tinsley of Star, ID and longtime friend, John Mallard of Rupert, ID and numerous cousins, neices and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents Verlin “Bean” and Glenice Stevenson, brother Denny Stevenson, son Verlin Max Craner, grandson Justin Ortega, a special boy she raised as her own Jimmy Gouhl and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to thank Idaho Home Health and Hospice for the love and kindness they have shared with our mom and grandma over the years and to Horizon Home Health for making her last days comfortable. 

In lieu of flowers the family would like any donations to be made in Myrna’s name to an Animal Shelter of your choice.  

“Blessed are those who morn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Chapel.  There will be a viewing Sunday, February 20, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the funeral chapel. A service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, February 21, 2022 at Morrison Payne Funeral Chapel in Burley, ID with Pastor Dan Hendricks presiding. Services will conclude with burial at the Hazelton Cemetery in Hazleton, Idaho. There will be a luncheon following the burial at The Snug in Eden.

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