Judith May

Crane

Judith May Crawford, age 86, was called to heaven on November 12, 2026, at Heritage Woods in Benton, IL. She was born September 27,1940, in Canton, Ohio to Virginia and Charles Crawford. She married Stephen Crane on August 6,1992.

Judy was the matriarch of a large blended family which was the center of her life. Judy was truly one of a kind. Not only was she one of the kindest people in the world, but also one of the strongest and most resilient. She loved her family fiercely and whether she was sad, or hurting or going through difficult times herself, she always thought of other people first. She always greeted people with a hug and a big smile and everyone she met became family in one way or another. Aside from her faith, her husband and her family, throughout her life her great loves were planting and tending to her flowers, painting and redecorating her home, and cooking and baking for big family dinners. Her fried chicken and apple pie were her specialties. One of Judy’s greatest joys in her later years was passing out hugs and treats to her fellow residents and staff at Heritage Woods. Her family would especially like to extend their gratitude to all the staff of Heritage Woods for their care and compassion.

Judy is survived by her husband Steve “Poppy” Crane, sister Eileen Bailis, sons Douglas Schram and Jim “Bo” (Sandy) Shortland, Daughters Debbie Jones, Margie (Brian) Perkins, and Wendi (Bill) Schopmeyer, son-in-law Larry Wyskiel and step-children Britt Crane, Lee Mizner, Scott Mizner and Stacy (Mizner) Sorenson as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Judy was proceeded in death by husband Cletus Schram, sons Chipp Schram and Ronald Shortland, daughter Jackie Wyskiel, son-in-law Eddie Jones and seven siblings.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at First Free Will Baptist Church, 1208 East Bend St. Benton, IL.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com