Edna Irene Cranmore passed away peacefully Sept. 2, 2020.

Born in Brooklyn, New York as Edna Chillion, she was adopted to and raised by Zeke and Ruth Paden and moved to Port Angeles, Washington. She was "Sunshine" to her father and all who were influenced by her uncanny wit, generous spirit and unbounded love. Edna loved to dance and was performing at a very young age. She was a gifted mathematician, as her father taught her to do math in her head. She used this skill professionally and in later years in card or board games.

Edna loved family. She married Gene Stumpf and had six children: Mary, Robert, Daniel, Lea, Ellen and Joanna. After they divorced, she danced the night away with Bruce Oxford and had two daughters: Kathy and Georgia. When they went their separate ways, she married Roy Cranmore.

Professionally capable as a secretary, apartment manager and photographer with Olan Mills, Edna worked hard to care for herself and as many children (hers, foster kids, step kids and anyone needing home and family) as came her way. She had a knack for reading people and welcomed all in need of a meal, a friend, or a place to rest.

Edna was a competitor. Whether spectating "Dancing with the Stars," answering questions on TV shows, playing bingo or pinochle at the Golden Age Center or playing Rummikub with her friends and caregivers, she loved to win and was energized to victory by chocolate. She was a frequent visitor to tee ball and baseball games and worked concessions to help out and have the best view of the game. She followed Longhorn sports – whether in person or by listening to the play by play reverberate off the houses in the neighborhood.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Edna came to church whenever she, her walker and oxygen would allow. She believed in God and recognized the power of Jesus Christ to help any and all change as they choose. She was an avid supporter of the 12-step program and took AA calls for years trying to help others any time of the day or night. Change is possible and can be hard, but is worth it!

She was a lover of animals. She fed birds and four-legged friends and rescued many cats and dogs and brought them home to be loved. She is survived by Maddy, her latest companion and service dog.

Edna was a willing worker. She was a member of the GFWC Fort Benton. Although dealing with lots of aches and pains, Edna willingly helped with Woman's Club projects – helping with treats or calling to remind people where to be when. Her welcoming smile and amazing perspective will be missed.

Although partially color blind, Edna loved to dress up and go out with friends. She ensured that all of her accessories matched. She was a regular ticket holder of CCPA, a foot-tapping spectator of TC Powerhouse dance recitals and a dangerous competitor at a pinochle table. Her most dangerous game was Rummikub. A stickler for the rules, she ensured the wild smiley faces were used properly.

She recognized the need we all have for extra assistance and was the help that many others depended upon for the self-confidence and motivation to restart and move on.

Mothering was something Edna did for many throughout her life.  She is survived by her children: Mary, Robert, Dan, Lea, and Joanna Stumpf, Kathy and Georgia Oxford, step-son Robert Oxford and Robert Harp and many other foster children she cared for over the years. She will be missed by Erik Cranmore (a grandson she raised) and many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was what she craved and cared for and hundreds of non-related others whenever needs presented themselves.

Her daughter Ellen Stumpf Norgard predeceased her, as did her husbands Gene Stumpf and Roy Cranmore.

A graveside service was held while her visiting children were in town.

To celebrate the impact of her life, please wear bright colors, smile kindly, express your love to family and friends, play games and eat chocolate on Sept. 10, as that is her 83 ^rd birthday. Donations in her honor may be sent to the Florence Dedman Animal Shelter in Fort Benton to continue their efforts to rescue, care for and love animals. Enjoy a very special guardian angel recently reassigned to help us grow to be the best people we can!