St. Bernice, Indiana - Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, Mary Josephine Crane went to Heaven's eternal embrace on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, following her long battle with dementia.

She was born on January 8th, 1929, to Wallace Delaney Jordan and Hazel Mae (Shuey) Jordan in St. Bernice, Indiana, the 7th of 9 children. Her father worked on the railroad, her mother played piano at the local church, and her maternal grandfather was the local blacksmith. She attended St. Bernice High School. It was at an event at the high school that she met her sister-in-law's (Carol Jordan) cousin who had just returned home from service in World War II. She later married this soldier, Kenneth Jordan Crane, on September 4th, 1948.

She and Kenny quickly started their family, welcoming four children in 5 years. They raised their family in Helt Township attending the Center Methodist Church, living, and farming in this community. Kenneth and Mary Jo were lovingly married until his death in June of 1999.

Besides her chores as mother and farm wife, Mary Jo was a friend to many in the neighborhood. She literally knew no stranger and shared her love and concern with all. She drove neighbors without transportation to doctors' offices. She watched over nieces and nephews as well as being a loving grandmother. She actively participated in Center Methodist Church and later Wayside United Methodist Church when the local Methodist Churches consolidated. She sought support there following the death of her husband.

She was a great seamstress, often sewing dresses for her daughters and special outfits for school operettas, prom servers, bridesmaids and for other special events.

Mary Jo's greatest love in life, though, was her family. It is because of her support that her children succeeded in school with one becoming an elementary school principal and three becoming physicians.

She is survived by one brother, David Jordan; and her four children: Dorian (Dave) Poole, Cecile (Bob) Locke, Mary Margaret (Michael) Rhees and Ken (Pam) Crane; seven grandchildren and four step-grandchildren: Dora, David, Lori, Robbie, Nathan, Jake, Joy, Jill, Annie, Emily, and Elizabeth; sixteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Crane, and her parents. Of her 8 siblings, 7 have passed: Letha Mae Clingan, Evelyn I. Monce, Wilbur Jordan, Marjorie Lorraine Eller, Clyde William Jordan, Barbara Jean Young, and Opal McCullough; one brother-in-law, Woodrow Crane; and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Daniels and Virginia Ford.

And as often happens when you live to be 97 years old, they are often preceded in death by too many nieces and nephews, a painful truth for Mary Jo. Mary Jo will be joyous to reunite with these family and her many friends who are already in heaven.

Visitation will be at Frist Funeral Home on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Terry Jeffers officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

In honor of Mary Jo's life, the family has requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be directed to the Crane Family Community Fund at the Vermillion County Community Foundation. This fund supports meaningful projects that strengthen Vermillion County. Each gift will be matched with $2 for every $1 donated, thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc. Other donations may be made to Wayside United Methodist Church or Gentiva Hospice in memory of Mary Jo.

Online condolences may be shared at:

www.fristfuneralhome.com