Dorothy M. Crank

Dorothy M. Crank, 98, of Independence, Mo., died there April 22, 2021. The cause was cancer exacerbated by the extreme isolation of COVID 19. She had been active in the community since moving to Independence in 1947. Dorothy belonged to the Independence Young Matrons, a service organization, for 50 years. She was the group’s president in 1963-64. She led her daughters’ Camp Fire and Girl Scout groups and worked in volunteer roles at schools. She never missed voting and fondly recalled going uptown to watch President Harry Truman vote in 1948. Dorothy had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Independence since 1949, serving in leadership for the campaign for a new building to replace the historic one. She was a lifelong learner through travel, reading and friendships. Dorothy Maxine Noel was born Nov. 30, 1922 to Eulah Hardwick Noel and Glen Noel in Moberly, Randolph County, Mo. Although their only child, Dorothy grew up there surrounded by extended families of both parents. Dorothy was a seventh-generation Missourian whose ancestors settled in the north-central part of the state. Dorothy, however, always looked forward instead of back. After graduation from Christian (now Columbia) College in 1942, Dorothy lived and worked in St. Louis, rooting for the St. Louis Browns and volunteering with the Red Cross. She married Arnold Bernard Crank in July 1945 shortly after his return from Europe as an Army Air Forces pilot during World War II. They put down roots in Independence when he left active duty in the service. She traveled widely in the United States and aboard. Favorite trips included in eastern Canada, Iceland, Portugal and Switzerland. Family vacations led to destinations in the South, Southwest and Rocky Mountains. Dorothy became a sophisticated and avid baseball fan, following the Kansas City Athletics and then the Royals. She read extensively, especially in history and biography. She was peeved if the Kansas City Star didn’t arrive on her doorstep. Dorothy enjoyed friendly games of Bridge and creative arts. She leaves two daughters, Erin Louise Crank of Independence and Glenda Marie Crank Holste (Peter) of North Oaks, Minn.; grandsons Nelson Erik Holste of North Oaks and Tor Edward Holste (Tricia) of East Stroudsburg, Pa., and great-granddaughter Elizabeth Fiona Holste. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband. Memorial gifts to One Community Hospice, 15600 Woods Chapel Road, Suite A, Kansas City, Mo. 64139.A graveside service to honor Dorothy will be held on Monday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. Dorothy will be laid to rest Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence, Mo. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600).