Ida Marie Clegg

Marie Cranor Clegg, a beloved resident of Neodesha, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 9, 2024.  Born Ida Marie Cranor on February 12, 1925, in Neodesha, Kansas to John Marion Cranor and Mary Letisha (Tish) Kuntz Cranor, she was the youngest of three children. Marie grew up in Neodesha where she graduated from Neodesha High School in 1943 and was a lifelong member of Neodesha United Methodist Church.

Marie adored her beloved husband James David (J.D.) Clegg, who she wed on March 20, 1949, at the United Methodist Church in Neodesha. Their 61-year union was a testament to commitment, love and mutual respect, inspiring all who knew them.

Marie worked as an executive assistant at M.E.C. Corporation where she retired after 40 years and was recognized for her expertise, dedication and professionalism. In Neodesha, Marie was an active and dedicated member of the community, volunteering as a bookkeeper for the Derrick Museum, Treasurer for Water District #6, business manager of her church and past president and treasurer of Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

Faith played a central role in Marie’s life. From the time she was a young girl, Marie was active in the United Methodist Church, where she found friendship, support and strength as a member of the church community. For 80 years Marie was a member of Sunday school groups and was a leader of the United Methodist Women's group. Fellow church members Bill and Jean Sexton were very special friends who helped Marie remain active in church and community life by driving and accompanying Marie on outings and helping with everyday tasks.

After the loss of her husband, J.D. in 2010, Marie went on to manage their farm holdings and livestock until well into her 90’s; a testimony to her strength, determination and independence. Marie dearly loved life on the farm and watching the nature that surrounded her, reading, her dogs and ice cream!

Marie loved and treasured her family. She found great joy in hosting the annual family Thanksgiving gathering. For 58 consecutive years, she welcomed loved ones and special friends, opening her home for all to gather and create memories they would cherish forever.  Her world-famous Wienie Roast on the day after Thanksgiving, where family and friends gathered around a bonfire while sharing food, love and laughter, was a highlight of everyone’s year.

Throughout her life, Marie touched the hearts of those around her with her thoughtfulness and generosity.  She possessed an amazing memory for people, dates and events, and was a cherished family historian and storyteller.  Marie’s faith and love of God provided her with dedication, strength and resilience.   She was the heart of her family and will be missed by all.  May God bless and keep her.

Marie is survived by two nephews: John M. Cranor III (Kitty Cranor) of Sarasota, Florida and Timothy W. Cranor (Ann Cranor) of Prairie Village, Kansas; one niece: Mary Cranor Kawula (Chris Kawula) of Denver, Colorado; four great-nephews: Thomas Cranor of Canton, Ohio, Jake Cranor (Yisaac Cranor) of Sarasota, Florida, Luke Cranor of New York, New York, and Jonathan Cranor Kawula of Chicago, Illinois; five great nieces: Gretchen Bynum Longmire (Bill Longmire) of Overland Park, Kansas, Katy Bynum Fenbert (Tim Fenbert) of Atlanta, Georgia, Libby Cranor Morris (Kemper Morris) of Leawood, Kansas, Caroline Kawula of Chicago, Illinois, and Miranda Kawula of Denver Colorado; three great-great nephews: Colin Longmire (Nina Longmire) of Richmond, Missouri, Sam Longmire (Monica O’Guinn) of Lawrence, Kansas, Mitchell Fenbert of Chicago; two great-great nieces: Abigail Fenbert of Savannah, Georgia, and Precious Cranor of Leawood, Kansas, and one great-great-great nephew: Lincoln Longmire of Richmond, Missouri.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, James David Clegg; her parents, John Marion Cranor Sr. and Mary Letisha Cranor; her sister, Pauline Cranor Bynum and her brother, John Marion Cranor Jr. (Cozette Weiland Cranor); her nephew, Bruce Allen Bynum (Marilyn Clark Bynum).

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Neodesha United Methodist Church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Neodesha United Methodist Church or W.A. Rankin Memorial Library in Neodesha, Kansas.