Jeanine Crane

Jeanine Crane was born on November 1, 1936, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Evelyn and John Kelley. She died peacefully in her sleep on December 27, 2022, in Littleton, CO.

Jeanine attended grade school through high school in Council Bluffs, IA. On April 1, 1956, she married David Crane. They relocated to Littleton, Colorado in 1974 and were married for over 65 years.

Jeanine was a life-long learner. She attended Iowa Western Community College, Arapahoe Community College where she earned an A.A. degree, then a B.S. in Community Services Management from Metro State and went on to take Master level classes at Regis. Jeanine continuously strived to expand and refine her skills through collaboration with her peers and professional development activities.

Jeanine’s first professional work experience was in the Personnel Training Liaison Office at the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force base in Omaha where she held a security clearance. After raising her family, she returned to the work force in a variety of roles over a nearly 20-year career. She served in administrative, coordination and supervisory positions with Littleton and Jefferson Public Schools, City of Lakewood, the City of Aurora, Volunteers of America Foster Grandparent Program, and Jefferson County Infant/Toddler Interagency Resource Council. Jeanine used her strong leadership, management, communication, and collaboration skills in all her roles to help children, their families, and individuals through sometimes challenging situations.

Throughout her life, Jeanine had many hobbies and activities, primarily related to church and family. Jeanine enjoyed traveling, community committee/PEO membership, mission trips, cruising, family vacations, Green Lake trips, high school reunions, sewing and playing all kinds of games, especially card games.

Demonstrating her passion and strong commitment to Baptist ministries, Jeanine was actively involved with First Baptist Church in Council Bluffs, starting in her early years, through the last 40+ years at Calvary Baptist Church in Denver. During the years, Jeanine served as a leader/member of many committees including Evangelism, Christian Education, Staff Relations, Personnel, Search and Diaconate.   Jeanine also introduced the Roger Williams Fellowship young adult group to Calvary, an underserved ministry at that time. Jeanine received the Calvary Baptist Church Christian Education Award in 1983.

Jeanine was recognized as a leader in Christian Education at the church, regional, national, and international level. Starting in the 1960s, Jeanine and her husband Dave, led youth/young adult groups and taught Sunday School classes for many decades.  Jeanine also served as a leader for numerous conferences at the Green Lake American Baptist Conference Center as well as the international Baptist World Alliance Youth conference. For many years, Jeanine coordinated Youth Leadership Core, providing training and mentoring for Baptist youth in the region. In addition to authoring published curriculum, Jeanine provided professional development training for local churches and community organizations.

Most of all, Jeanine made her family her top priority. She ensured her children Doug and Dani had the opportunity to participate in fun and enriching activities from dance and music lessons to sports and scouting activities. She continued the focus with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren through attendance at their activities, organizing holiday events and crafts, and creating enduring family traditions such as an annual family vacation in Estes Park.

Jeanine is survived by her daughter Dani (Marty), daughter-in-law Cathy, grandchildren Catie (Henry), Morgan, Connor and Kyle, great grandchildren Annabel and Sam and many nieces/nephews. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Sharon Kelley, Barb Matzen and Sandy Adler. Jeanine was pre-deceased by her husband, Dave, her son Doug, her brother Larry, and cousins Midge and Jacque.

Donations may be made in Jeanine’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church of Denver. Jeanine’s memorial service will be held April 1, 2pm, at Calvary Baptist Church of Denver, 6500 E. Girard Ave, Denver.