Mary E. Cranmer

Mary Cranmer, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on December 30, 2024, in Salem, Ohio. She was born on August 9, 1938, in Greenford, Ohio, to Paul R. and Margaret Mae (McLish) Franklin. Mary’s legacy is colored by her unwavering affection for her family and her enduring passions.

Throughout her life, Mary dedicated many years to her career at Timberlanes in Salem, where her warm spirit and dedication made a lasting impact on colleagues and patrons alike. Beyond her professional endeavors, she found immense joy in her personal pursuits, particularly spending time with her beloved cat, Baby. Mary was also known for her creativity; she loved to crochet, crafting many thoughtful items for family and friends. Furthermore, she was an avid collector of lighthouses, which symbolized her love for the beauty of nature and her adventurous spirit.

Mary’s family encompasses her daughters, Cara Milhoan of New Middletown, Ohio, and Tina Simpson of Yoncalla, Oregon; her sons, Kevin Gardner of Hanoverton, Ohio, and Randy Gardner of New Middletown, Ohio. She is also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy.

She cherished her siblings, including her sister Nancy Hildebrand of Minerva, Ohio, her sister Joyce Tunnat of Salem, Ohio, her brother Alan Franklin of Navarre, Ohio, and her brother Paul Franklin of Niles, Ohio.

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dean B. Cranmer, as well as her grandson Jeffrey Alan Vesey and great-granddaughter Kira Skye Gardner. She also mourned the passing of her siblings: Rodman Franklin, Charles Franklin, Alice Hillard, Clara Ward, George Franklin, Leonard Franklin, and Marjorie Anthony.

In honor of Mary’s memory, the visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home in Salem, Ohio, on January 7, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM. The address for Brown Funeral Home is 510 Jennings Avenue, Salem, Ohio, 44460. Friends and family may sign the guest register and send condolences online at www.brownfhonline.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, (330) 337-6363.