Shirley Ann Cranston, 87, of Colby, died Tuesday, August 13, 2024. She was born on September 27, 1936, to Willard “Bill” and Florence (Berry) Schertz on the family farm in southern Thomas County, Kansas. As a child, Shirley contracted rheumatic fever but managed to pull through after a long illness. She attended school in Page City and was one of only four girls making up the entire graduating class of 1954. These four friends traveled to Florida for their senior trip.
Shirley attended cosmetology school in Salina and subsequently moved to Ness City to begin her career. She took a second job waiting tables at the Westside Café. There she met a local custom harvester, Rex Cranston, who would soon become her husband. Shirley and Rex were married on December 31, 1955, in Page City. It was the first wedding ceremony held at the town’s new Lutheran Church. The couple eventually purchased a farm south of Brewster, in 1957, where they raised three sons – Don, John, and Ross – and built a successful farming and cattle operation – Cranston Farms.
Shirley cherished her role in the family business and was a hands-on farm wife and partner, always ready and willing to pitch in and help when needed. She worked alongside Rex, cooked meals for the harvest crews, and tended to the livestock. Rex and Shirley were married for forty years, until the time of his death in 1996.
Shirley had many hobbies, particularly painting, cooking, gardening, and sewing. She always looked forward to entering her best works at the county fair. She was the proud recipient of numerous purple ribbons and awards. Shirley continued to stay active over the years and enjoyed her jobs at Amy’s Fashion and Motel 6. She was always checking off items from her extensive to-do-list with the excitement of moving on to a new project.
Shirley found a new relationship with her partner, Gerald Plantz. The two would share many happy years together sightseeing and traveling the country. Gerald remained by her side until her death.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rex, and brother Tom Schertz. She is survived by her sons, Don, John (wife Carla), and Ross; 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Verla Moser and Kathy Haug; numerous nieces and nephews; and significant other Gerald Plantz.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 19, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby with burial to follow in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Thomas County Fair Association and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com