Fern A. Crane, 83, of Wichita, Kansas and former Russell resident died on Tuesday, January 26, 2011 at the Sandpiper Bay Nursing Center of Wichita.

Fern was born on November 22, 1927 in Dodge City, Kansas, the daughter of Harry P. and Amanda Pearl Lena (Tuberville) Huston.  She grew up and attended school in the Russell area and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1948.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Wesley E. Crane on January 1, 1948 in Russell.  From this union they were blessed with two sons Randell and Wesley.  Fern took her job seriously as homemaker, raising their sons, taking care of her husband and providing a loving home for her family.  Fern was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Russell.  She enjoyed helping at church and her sign language for the deaf and hard of hearing, most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her two sons Randell E. Crane of Haysville, Kansas and Wesley L. Crane of Ventura, California, two sisters Arlen Allen of Denver, Colorado and Verna Tripplett of Phoenix, Arizona; 3 grandchildren Randell II, Nathen and Travis Crane; great grandchildren Courtney and Rebekah Crane and Briana Dehncke.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wesley on May 11, 2000 and brother Harley Davidson Huston.

A viewing and visitation service will take place from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, January 28, 2011with family present to greet visitors from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.  There will be no formal service and cremation will take place after the visitation service.  Memorials may be given to the First Southern Baptist Church of Russell and may be sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.