Gertrude M. Crane

CRANE - Gertrude M. Crane, 99, of Aztec, passed away on March 2, 2011 in Aztec at home surrounded by her family. Gertrude was born in Cheraw, CO, on June 8, 1911, to Wallace Morton Frame and Alice Maud Prophet Frame, the youngest of 11 children. She met the love of her life and married him on July 5, 1927. They welcomed two sons in Breen and moved to Aztec in 1931, where they added two daughters to their family. They owned and operated Crane’s Grocery for 41 years and were owners of one of Aztec’s early apple orchards. Later, they built Aztec Car Wash, and lived on the corner of Park Avenue and Chuska for 77 years. Gertrude was past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star and was a faithful member of Aztec Christian Church. She was devoted to her large extended family and shared her faith with all the lives she touched. She had a tender heart for animals, especially her faithful dog, Tippie, who was with her until the end. The family would like to extend a very special Thank you to Guardian Angel Hospice for helping the family make it through one of the most difficult times of their lives. Also, the family would like to offer the utmost gratitude to the staff at Crane’s Roost, for all the love and care they gave to Gertrude until she was able to move back home. Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Harfield Crane; sons, Monty Crane and son-in-law Marvin Hardin; parents, Wallace and Alice Frame; five brothers and five sisters. She is survived by her son, Gordon (Dorcas) Crane; daughters, Alice Hardin, Madge (Denny) Hensley; and daughter-in-law, Alma Lee Crane; two sister-in-laws, June Frame and Esther Wunnicke; 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren. Pastor Rod Conover will be officiating. After the burial there will be a reception at the Aztec Masonic Lodge. Pallbearers are Gordon Neal Crane, Jr., Bryan Hensley, Matthew Crane, Scott Hardin, Steve Hensley, and Patrick Hardin. Gertrude’s arrangements are with Cope Memorial Chapel: 405 S. Main Ave. Aztec, NM 87410 (505) 334-9332.