CRANEK
Leona Cranek, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home in Garwood Jan. 31. She was born Feb. 7, 1931 to Frank Wesselski, Sr. and Emily Staff Wesselski. She was the youngest of six that grew up in their home in Garwood.
A woman of character and elegance, Leona caught the eye of the love of her life, Louis V Cranek, Jr., and the two were married on Aug. 18, 1949. From that day forward, Leona took pride in being a quintessential wife and supportive mother. As a devoted Christian, Leona served as a role model to her family and those around her.
Known for her class and style, Leona was also ironwilled: both loving and tough, personifying the characteristics that raised a family who continue to carry on those values. For generations, Leona proudly supported her grandchildren and great grandchildren. From sports, gymnastics, rodeo, graduations, baptisms, weddings, you name it, Leona was a pillar to all family members’ successes.
An avid shopper with weekly trips to the hair stylist, Leona also loved traveling and the great outdoors. She appreciated the little things when it came to the masterpiece of the Lord’s hand – the beauty of a flower, the calmness of a hummingbird, and the honesty that came with each. With her continued attention to detail, nothing bothered her more than a weed in a shrub or a stick in the grass. A woman of elegance, indeed.
They say behind every man is an even stronger woman. These words cannot be truer when speaking of Leona. She was the ultimate rock that supported her late husband and family to further instill the importance of honesty, integrity, grit, compassion, and love.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 69 years, Louis V. Cranek, Jr.; son Gerald “Beaver” Cranek; daughter Diana Leah Cranek; infant granddaughter Sarah Marie Andress; father-in law Louis V. Cranek, Sr.; and mother-in-law Julia Cranek.
Leona is survived by her daughter Sharon “Sugie” Andress (Andy); sons James “Cotton” Cranek (Connie), Larry “Huck” Cranek (Donna), Gary “Bodock” Cranek (Marla), Tommy “Skeet” Cranek (Jeanenne); grandchildren Christie Blansitt, Garett Cranek, Russell Cranek, Colby Andress, Cullan Andress, Holly Hoffer, Heather Glaze, Cari Jackson, Cody Cranek, Ashley Mathis, Hank Cranek; great grandchildren Conley Cranek, Hayes Cranek, Karlee Mathis, Colby Mathis, Maci Martin, Lynlee Jackson, Alexis Andress, Augustus Andress, Eli Blansitt, Reece Blansitt, Ty Cranek, Blakely Cranek, Hudson Cranek, Sidney Glaze, Will Glaze, Laney Hoffer, Sadie Cranek, Shane Cranek, and Stockton Cranek.
The family would like to thank her caretakers, Lali Torres and Nancy Cole, for their unwavering commitment, compassion, and love.
Visitation was Thursday, Feb. 3 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Nada with a Catholic Daughter Rosary prayed at 9:30 a.m.
Funeral service was Thursday, Feb. 3at St. Mary Catholic Church in Nada. Fr. Michael Lyons officiated. Burial was in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Nada.
Pallbearers were Hank Cranek, Garett Cranek, Cody Cranek, Cullan Andress, Colby Andress and Russell Cranek. Honorary pallbearers are Cari Jackson, Holly Hoffer, Ashley Mathis, Heather Glaze and Christie Blansitt.
Memorials may be given to St. Mary Catholic Church, P.O. Box 97, Nada, TX 77460 or Garwood Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 131, Garwood, TX 77442.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.