Carol Jean Craney

Carol Jean Brinton Craney was born June 2, 1932, and departed this world on June 7, 2013. Carol was born in Wichita, Kansas to Ruth Ann (Bryant) Hill and Willis Kenneth Hill. Carol was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and great-grandmother with many talents but most of all a persevering soul with creative talents, a heart for the word of God, and a love of the Flint Hills and animals. At the age of 12 years old Carol accepted the Lord at Camp Horizon in Arkansas City, Kansas. She dreamed of becoming a missionary, but God must have had other plans for she married Donald M. Brinton on June 29, 1952 in Wichita, Kansas. To this union three sons and a daughter were born. They made their home in the College Hill area of Wichita for many years where she was involved in her children’s activities as PTA president, Cub Scout leader, Campfire Girl Leader, a Goldwater Girl, and many other various activities. Upon moving to the Howard area she realized her dream of having a small ranch and raised Longhorn cattle. From this point in time she ventured into the world of journalism and became owner and editor of the Courtland Journal in Courtland, Kansas. Her talents of being a writer and photographer were realized at this time. On June 26, 1994 she married Marvin E. Craney in Wilsey, Kansas where Marvin continues to farm and ranch. Due to failing health Carol moved to Cumbernauld Village in Winfield, Kansas where she would again be tested with that perseverance and faith. She is survived by her husband, Marvin, of the home. Her four children are: son, Mark D. Brinton and wife Carol of Wilcox, Arizona and their son Jon and wife Candice of Scottsdale, Arizona and their children Ava and Ryan; daughter, Bambi L. Bird Hanson of Cedar Vale, Kansas and her children, Tabitha Bird Hogan and husband Justin of Winfield, Kansas and their children James, Amelia and Annabel, Thane Bird and his wife Rene of San Diego, California, Chad Bird, and Jason Bird of Manhattan, Kansas; son, Michael D. Brinton and Dawn Kennedy of Santa Barbara and his children Taylor Brinton of Fort Lauderdale, FL., Kail Brinton and Conner Brinton of Fountain Hills, AZ; and son, Todd D. Brinton of Palm Springs, CA; sister Doris Clum and husband Dwayne of Ft. Walton Beach, FL and their children Tony Clum and Joni Valdez; and six step-children; Junior Craney, Wanda Dusin, Tonia Catlin II, Sherry Wilson, Wyatt Craney, Kelly Craney and 7 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Countryside – Zimmerman Funeral Home with Pastor Norman Reeves officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas. Family suggests memorials to Harden Hospice of Kansas and may be left with the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside – Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.

Carol Jean Craney

June 2, 1932 - June 7, 2013