Obituary for Teressa Rae Crane
Cut from the cloths of Asa Tom and Fannie Mae Jones, Teressa Rae came into this world September 8, 1950 in Clayton, New Mexico. Her life launched while being reared in the sparsely populated, truly wild, and nearly forsaken Panhandle of Oklahoma, reaching as far as the state would allow a resident to be, growing in the shadow of the famed Black Mesa of Kenton, Oklahoma. The untamed Mesa fostered a wildness in Teressa which was almost unbreakable. Absent of sophistication, the formality of the name Teressa was beyond the scope of her being, and thus, she became known as Tess.
Her childhood and early adulthood yielded a woman of the horse; the rough and desolate panhandle fashioned a tough and fearless rider. In the desolation of her rugged land, Tess found fun jumping into sagebrush from the bare-back of a horse. Her beloved brother, Rick, simply watched and avoided such antics himself. The tough, fearless rider soon morphed into an extension of the horse, steadily mounted at all gaits, and positioned still as a wisp of early morning fog which never moves. Her talent so admirable; her mother, Fannie, was astounded at Tess’ natural ability with the horse.
Tess attended Murray State College (Tishomingo, OK) following brother Rick’s path. College life offered a far greater population of humans over that of Kenton, and the day came when her eyes were filled with the rugged, towering physique of a cattleman under a black hat. With the quietness of clanging cymbals, Tess inquired, “Who is that tall cowboy?!?!”. Likewise, the cowboy paused in awe upon meeting Tess. As opposite poles of two rare-earth magnets, the cowboy and Tess could not resist the pull toward each other. Tess and Gary Ralph Crane married in 1969, in Fittstown, Oklahoma. The two launched out and landed in Goodwell, Oklahoma for a period of studying at Panhandle State University. Tess was thoroughly disappointed in Gary’s inability to ride the horse. Concurrently, Gary knew he had his work cut out for him after eating a sampling of her cooking.
Tess and Gary settled in Perkins, Oklahoma, and while Gary returned to the family business of Ralph’s Packing Company, Tess continued her studies at Oklahoma State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. When not in classes at OSU she was entrusted with producing Ralph’s cubed steaks; after earning her degree she quickly jumped into greater responsibilities of the company, often operating the “big” patty machine, and eventually progressing to keeping an accurate account of the books.
Tess and Gary gave life to daughters Erica and Megan, and a loving motherhood began as Tess worked tirelessly to properly raise the girls and provide never-ending support to Gary as he led the family business. The rank of absolute best mother in all the world was awarded to her as she held a 100% attendance score as a mother and wife. Tess was never able to join the ranks of the normal crowd, likely because she failed to see any value for her in that position. Unique was her character, individuality was her being, and feisty was her nature. The girls learned this quickly through strange and awkward contributions by Tess on various school projects. Never harmful, yet just odd enough to be memorable. Thus, she came to be known as Mama Tess.
Tess was a pillar of massively stable support for the entire Ralph’s Packing Company. Her tremendous contributions were quiet, known by few, yet unknowingly felt by many. Her accomplishments are innumerable and her humility was astounding. Numerous state and national awards have been given to Ralph’s Packing Company, and woven throughout the description of every plaque, trophy, and certificate are the longsuffering, quiet, and humble contributions of Tess. In addition to the business, Tess was iconic in the community of Perkins, Oklahoma.
Tess’ supportive nature flooded onto many other meat processors. She quickly became the face at the check-in counter for the annual American Cured Meats Championships. Every year, seasoned meat processing veterans anxiously awaited their time to submit their entries through Tess. The rookies had their insecurities and fears crushed once they receive the support and encouragement from Tess. Many have stated how they cherish the prodding Tess gave them in their earlier years, and the American consumer of fine meat products across the country enjoy their delicacies because Tess helped the processor along their way.
Gary’s revelation to Tess that her cooking needed help did not discourage her. She used her rugged and wild ways to become a premier culinary professional. She competed with the Cajuns of Louisiana and her performances led to the status of Honorary Cajun, handed to her through the State of Louisiana. Crawfish Etouffee was her defining dish. Invitations to participate in limited, high-ranking cooking competitions, such as The American Royal, the Jack Daniels World Championship BBQ, and the Terlingua Chili Cook-Off were hers to enjoy. Along the path of her culinary endeavors, she attained the title of Li’l Mama Nasty.
Tess was a voracious reader. She loathed the cold, tolerated the mountains, sought the sun, longed for a warm beach, and showed her toes whenever possible. But the joy of her family is what Tess cherished most. Gary continues to feel the pull of her magnetism even today. Erica and Megan carry her love eternally. Tess adored her grandsons Josh and Logan, yet when needed, she properly scolded the young boys with the energy of a hot coal, to help produce two fine young men who also carry her love.
Teressa Rae Crane suddenly passed from this life on January 11, 2023. She is preceded in death by her father, Asa Tom Jones. She is survived by her mother Fannie Mae Jones, husband Gary, daughters Erica Hering and Megan Nawrocki with husband Tim, grandsons Joshua Hering, Logan Hering and Phoenix Nawrocki, brother Rick Jones with wife Brenda, and niece Kasey Byrne with husband Brian.
Services will be offered to honor Tess at the First Baptist Church of Perkins, Oklahoma on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. Father Gary Kastl will officiate.
Down from the highest point in Oklahoma came the great gift of Tessie. May we carry that gift with us always.
Her childhood and early adulthood yielded a woman of the horse; the rough and desolate panhandle fashioned a tough and fearless rider. In the desolation of her rugged land, Tess found fun jumping into sagebrush from the bare-back of a horse. Her beloved brother, Rick, simply watched and avoided such antics himself. The tough, fearless rider soon morphed into an extension of the horse, steadily mounted at all gaits, and positioned still as a wisp of early morning fog which never moves. Her talent so admirable; her mother, Fannie, was astounded at Tess’ natural ability with the horse.
Tess attended Murray State College (Tishomingo, OK) following brother Rick’s path. College life offered a far greater population of humans over that of Kenton, and the day came when her eyes were filled with the rugged, towering physique of a cattleman under a black hat. With the quietness of clanging cymbals, Tess inquired, “Who is that tall cowboy?!?!”. Likewise, the cowboy paused in awe upon meeting Tess. As opposite poles of two rare-earth magnets, the cowboy and Tess could not resist the pull toward each other. Tess and Gary Ralph Crane married in 1969, in Fittstown, Oklahoma. The two launched out and landed in Goodwell, Oklahoma for a period of studying at Panhandle State University. Tess was thoroughly disappointed in Gary’s inability to ride the horse. Concurrently, Gary knew he had his work cut out for him after eating a sampling of her cooking.
Tess and Gary settled in Perkins, Oklahoma, and while Gary returned to the family business of Ralph’s Packing Company, Tess continued her studies at Oklahoma State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. When not in classes at OSU she was entrusted with producing Ralph’s cubed steaks; after earning her degree she quickly jumped into greater responsibilities of the company, often operating the “big” patty machine, and eventually progressing to keeping an accurate account of the books.
Tess and Gary gave life to daughters Erica and Megan, and a loving motherhood began as Tess worked tirelessly to properly raise the girls and provide never-ending support to Gary as he led the family business. The rank of absolute best mother in all the world was awarded to her as she held a 100% attendance score as a mother and wife. Tess was never able to join the ranks of the normal crowd, likely because she failed to see any value for her in that position. Unique was her character, individuality was her being, and feisty was her nature. The girls learned this quickly through strange and awkward contributions by Tess on various school projects. Never harmful, yet just odd enough to be memorable. Thus, she came to be known as Mama Tess.
Tess was a pillar of massively stable support for the entire Ralph’s Packing Company. Her tremendous contributions were quiet, known by few, yet unknowingly felt by many. Her accomplishments are innumerable and her humility was astounding. Numerous state and national awards have been given to Ralph’s Packing Company, and woven throughout the description of every plaque, trophy, and certificate are the longsuffering, quiet, and humble contributions of Tess. In addition to the business, Tess was iconic in the community of Perkins, Oklahoma.
Tess’ supportive nature flooded onto many other meat processors. She quickly became the face at the check-in counter for the annual American Cured Meats Championships. Every year, seasoned meat processing veterans anxiously awaited their time to submit their entries through Tess. The rookies had their insecurities and fears crushed once they receive the support and encouragement from Tess. Many have stated how they cherish the prodding Tess gave them in their earlier years, and the American consumer of fine meat products across the country enjoy their delicacies because Tess helped the processor along their way.
Gary’s revelation to Tess that her cooking needed help did not discourage her. She used her rugged and wild ways to become a premier culinary professional. She competed with the Cajuns of Louisiana and her performances led to the status of Honorary Cajun, handed to her through the State of Louisiana. Crawfish Etouffee was her defining dish. Invitations to participate in limited, high-ranking cooking competitions, such as The American Royal, the Jack Daniels World Championship BBQ, and the Terlingua Chili Cook-Off were hers to enjoy. Along the path of her culinary endeavors, she attained the title of Li’l Mama Nasty.
Tess was a voracious reader. She loathed the cold, tolerated the mountains, sought the sun, longed for a warm beach, and showed her toes whenever possible. But the joy of her family is what Tess cherished most. Gary continues to feel the pull of her magnetism even today. Erica and Megan carry her love eternally. Tess adored her grandsons Josh and Logan, yet when needed, she properly scolded the young boys with the energy of a hot coal, to help produce two fine young men who also carry her love.
Teressa Rae Crane suddenly passed from this life on January 11, 2023. She is preceded in death by her father, Asa Tom Jones. She is survived by her mother Fannie Mae Jones, husband Gary, daughters Erica Hering and Megan Nawrocki with husband Tim, grandsons Joshua Hering, Logan Hering and Phoenix Nawrocki, brother Rick Jones with wife Brenda, and niece Kasey Byrne with husband Brian.
Services will be offered to honor Tess at the First Baptist Church of Perkins, Oklahoma on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. Father Gary Kastl will officiate.
Down from the highest point in Oklahoma came the great gift of Tessie. May we carry that gift with us always.