Viola Oceana Crane, 93 years young, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Monument Health Hospital in her beloved Deadwood, SD. She was lovingly called "Sis" by many who knew her; the nickname exemplified who she was, as she cared for all she met as though they were family.
Born in Lusk, WY, in 1926, Vi was two years of age when her family moved to Deadwood, SD, where they put down roots. Viola was the second oldest of twelve children, which contributed much to her amazing character. She was really good at sharing, could carry on the most entertaining conversations, she enjoyed being around people, and she could "roll" with anything - even at the drop of a hat.
Vi met the love of her life, Claude Edward Crane, as a young woman and they were married in November of 1941. During their 42 years of marriage, they had four children and many memorable adventures. Vi was an exceptionally hard worker and whatever she chose to do, she did well. During her amazing life, she has been a waitress, barmaid, and laundress, to name a few. But what people remember her by the most is as a seamstress and dry cleaner. There are many fortunate people in the Deadwood-Lead area that benefitted from her talent with fabric. However, perhaps her most notable role was being an inspiring mother and grandmother of many generations.
Vi was also widely known for her generous heart. For over twenty years, Vi was the sacristan at St. John's Episcopal Church in Deadwood, and she volunteered on many occasions at the VFW, helping with whatever needed to be done. She treated serving and helping others as an honor and a privilege. Viola always enjoyed life and fun times with family and friends, such as playing cards and dancing, especially in the arms of her adored husband.
She is survived by her children, Patty Allen of Nemo, SD, Candy Huddleston of Whitewood, SD, Deb Klunder of Palmer, AK, and Rob Crane of Sturgis, SD; twelve grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; as well as one sister, Darlene Tonzo of San Diego, CA; and one brother, Leonard Davis of Tacoma, WA.
Viola was preceded in death by her parents, some siblings, and her husband.
On that beautiful March day, Claude came down from Heaven and took Viola's hand and together they danced their way to the binary stars named in their honor. Viola may not be here in body, but she will forever and always remain in our hearts.

Grief never ends
But it changes.
It's a passage,
Not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness,
Nor a lack of faith,
It is the price of Love.

At Viola's request there will be no funeral service and she will join her husband, Claude, at Black Hills National Cemetery at a private family interment.