Ray H Cranston

Ray Harley Cranston, the son of Harley and Gladys (Flint) Cranston was born on January 19, 1933. He had three siblings, Cleone, Coleen, and Merlyn and grew up on the family farm located in Everly. He attended his early school years in a one-room schoolhouse, which was located about a mile from the family’s farm. He frequently would ride his beloved pony, Billy, to and from the schoolhouse. After attending Everly High School, he grew passionate working alongside his father on the family’s farm. He made a lifetime career of farming, surrounding himself with the very best in farming, his wife Dorothy and Gary Weiskircher. Ray served in the Army and the Korean War.

 After returning home, Ray met the love of his life, Dorothy (Langel) Cranston at the Roof Garden in Okoboji, IA. The two had a seven-year courtship and were married on March 14, 1964, in Des Moines, IA. Making their home North of Everly, IA on the farm for many years. The marriage was blessed with two daughters, Hayley and Lynn.

 Ray put his family and farming above everything. You could frequently find him in the fields checking on corn and soybeans or in the shop working on a project. Ray thoroughly enjoyed his sense of community and living in his small town, blessed with great family, friends and neighbors. Especially the lifetime of support from Nephew, Leo Behrens and his wife Kathy including their sons Brad and Greg along with grandsons Dylan and Drew.

 Ray passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday July 21, 2024 at the Spencer Hospital at the age of 91. His Granddaughter Andrea and her Fiancé Jake were lucky to have a wonderful last visit with Ray in the afternoon which included lots of laughter and smiles to last a lifetime.

 He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (Langel) Cranston, his daughter Hayley Cranston Shepard, his parents, brother Merlyn Cranston, sisters Coleen Behrens and Cleone Cranston, Brother-in-laws Ervin Behrens, Paul Hintz, Earl Langel, and Dale Langel, Sister-in-law JoAnn Langel, Niece Cindy Hintz Rush, Nephews Marty Langel and Allan Langel.

 Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Lynn and her husband, Dan Burke; Granddaughter, Andrea Burke (Fiance Jake Archer); Son-in-law, Dr. Allan Shepard of Tega Cay, South Carolina, and Sister-in-laws Maxine Cranston, Phyllis Hintz, Glatha Langel, and Mary Langel, Brother-in-law Wayne Langel and numerous relatives and friends.