Born: Monday Dec-11-1950
Died: Monday Jun-12-2023
Funeral: Thursday Jun-22-2023

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Karla Rae (Finch) Cranney, 72, passed away June 12, 2023, working in her yard she loved, alongside her sweetheart.

Karla was born December 11, 1950, in Payson, Utah to Ray and Leoan Finch, the youngest of three daughters.  She spent part of her early childhood in Spanish Fork, Utah, then moved to Castle Dale, and later moved to Tremonton in 1958. 

She attended McKinley Elementary and Bear River High School, graduating in 1969. She was a member of the Hi-Stepper’s dance team, Future Teachers of America, and participated in many drama and other activities.  Karla was a dedicated student of ballet and continued that love of dance throughout her life.

Karla attended her first semester of college at BYU-Hawaii, where she enjoyed inter-island travel, staying at the YMCA’s along the way.

She then attended Utah State University, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Physical Education.  While at Utah State, she met Doug Cranney where they had an education class together. Doug paid special attention to the roll call and wrote Karla’s name down.  He later saw her walking on campus, where she went “whipping by” in her ever-fast pace and walked into the Kappa Delta house. He pursued the investigation asking some other KD girls if she was a member there and got her phone number and called her to ask her out, where she promptly turned him down! Doug persisted and they began dating soon after.  They were subsequently engaged and married on September 13, 1972.  After finishing up school and student teaching in Logan, Doug and Karla moved back to the family farm in Oakley, Idaho, making it their permanent home and joining the business with Doug’s brothers Bill and Mike.  They have made their home and life together on the farm in Oakley ever since.Karla had quite an adjustment, moving to a small farm town, and especially adjusting to the Cranney brothers' wild-west way of life. She (eventually) embraced and loved it and gave so much to this community. She could be found on the farm delivering Doug or the kid’s meals on the tractor, and even taking tickets and weighing trucks during harvest. The home they built in the “rock pile” has become a beautiful landscape, and Doug and Karla loved to be home and working in the yard. She loved her flowers and baskets and greenhouse and could sometimes be found “relieving stress” mowing the lawn for the second time in a week. Pinecones, weeds, blackbirds, and voles were her sworn enemies in the yard.

Karla taught at Oakley High School from 1974 to 1976, and from 1984 to 2008.  She taught PE, health, psychology, and economics. She also coached and advised several sports and clubs.  In 1975 she started the girls’ volleyball program and was the first coach. She coached both high school and junior high track and was the drill team coach for 12 years, from 1985 to 1996. The drill team had phenomenal success during that time, winning many competitions, usually against much larger 3A, 4A, and 5A schools.  This success was driven by long hours in the gym at 5:30 AM for early morning practices during competition season.  She and Doug were loyal supporters of all Oakley clubs and athletics.

Karla spent countless hours as a counselor and friend to numerous students. Many students would join her in the classroom eating lunch with her. She was always there to love and uplift. Students would often come by the house and spend hours answering her questions and updating her on their life.  She helped run the Natural Helpers Program in the school for several years. Karla made lifelong friends with many students, teachers, and co-workers during her years teaching.

Karla had endless energy and has always been busy and involved. She spent years giving service to many community organizations including the Oakley Booster Club, Oakley Valley Arts Council (OVAC), Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Oakley Valley Historical Association and Museum, serving as guardian ad litem advocating for victims of abuse and neglect, Cassia Regional Hospital volunteer and chair of the volunteer council as well as gift shop chair for many years.  Most recently she has been working as a hospice volunteer for Intermountain Home Health and Hospice. 

Karla had a passion for reading. Novels, historical, and church books. She taught herself to “speed read” and could read 100 pages a night while burning through a pair of socks with her restless leg syndrome.

She put tens of thousands of miles on the car chasing grandkids across Utah and Idaho. So many football and basketball games, dance performances, cheer competitions, track meets and other events. She would drive 3 hours for a 5-minute performance, grab some ice cream and head right back home.

Karla was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in many callings and capacities. She loved the gospel and her Savior. She read and re-read so many books, the scriptures, and mostly a focus on the Savior and His life. She lived a Christ-like life in her true desire to serve. Countless visits, cards, and under-the-radar care of so many.

Many remember Karla for her poise and classy presence. She loved fashion, especially shoes, and could wear heels for hours without complaint. She truly had a light, and made people feel welcomed and loved. She is loved dearly by her family and is especially adored by her grandkids.

Karla is preceded in death by her parents Ray Hanson Finch and Leoan Thomas Finch, and her sister Karen Finch Germer.  She is survived by her husband, Doug, her children Tyler (Renee) Cranney, Natasya (Chris) Jackson, Trevor (Analise) Cranney, Ali (Ammon) McBride, her 17 grandchildren: Austin, Bentley, Camden & Berlin Cranney; Jett, Trey, & Bekam Jackson; Ivy, Oliver, Tristen, Baker, & Zander Cranney; Gavin, Quincy, Parker, Bria, & Nixon McBride, and her sister Linda Kay (Owen) Udy.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Karla Cranney Education Scholarship account at any D.L. Evans Bank location.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the Oakley Stake Center in Oakley with Bishop Brian Lindquist officiating, burial will follow in the Marion Cemetery.  Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, June 21, 2023 from 5:00 - 7:00 at the Oakley Stake Center and from 10:00 until 10:45 Thursday morning at the church prior to the funeral.  A live webcast will be available and maintained on the Morrison Funeral Home Website, morrisonfuneralhome.net https://youtu.be/tF_BgyMM0OA Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert.

 

 

 

 

 

Condolences

I don’t think I would have survived my short teaching career without Karla. We were both beginners and she helped me see the humor in some episodes that just made me mad. I admired her for continuing on and also for her years as a hospital volunteer. What a great example for her family Our sincere condolences to Doug and all the Cranneys...Sheila and Dale Adams

Heartfelt sympathy for your Family…our prayers and thoughts are with you all… Schenk Family

I am so sorry for your family’s loss. My heart is breaking for you all. Karla was an amazing, kind, and loving woman and I loved her dearly. She always had a positive outlook and a smile and kind word for anyone in need. She never forgot a face. Whenever I would come to Oakley for Pioneer Days, it didn’t matter how long it had been she always called me by name and gave me a warm welcoming hug. She will be greatly missed. Sending hugs, healing thoughts and prayers out to you all...Erin Banner James

Love & prayers for family. Karla was a great Wife, Mother, and Grandmother. Love to the family....Thirl Johnson

I was shocked to hear about Karla's death so soon after losing my sister. She was such a good friend to her, compassionate, kind, thoughtful, and full of life. I really appreciate Karla and will always hold her dear to my heart. Sympathy and love  to her family...Brenda Bailey

Karla was the sweetest, she was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. She was and is one of God’s special angels. I will miss her beautiful smile. Sending our deepest and sincere sympathy...Mark and Diane Bell

Dear loved ones of Karla's,

I was so sorry to read of Karla'S passing. She was a dear friend of mine through our various interactions through the years. She was a fine person. I know her children and husband will miss her so much. God bless,...Lynne Boren

Tom and I and our boys, are so saddened by Karla's sudden passing. She was a ray of sunlight and joy, to us all. We are so grateful for our last visit with her. She was a woman who emulated class, elegance and grace and will be missed, by all who knew and loved her. Tom and I are sending our deepest love and condolences to Doug and their children and grandchildren. May prayers of comfort, peace and healing be showered upon you all....Tom and Donna McBride

This is a special time for our Father in heaven, his has gotten one of his so special daughters home. Karla is one of my most cherished friends, growing up together as neighbors and spending many hours discussing all and everything will be remembered for ever. She is the reason I have the forever wife Vickie. Thank you for everything Karla my forever friend. So sorry Doug for your heart ache my friend, but you are a lucky and blessed man....Randy Archibald

I don’t have the words to adequately express my love and gratitude for Mrs. Cranney. I just loved her! She was my 7th grade health teacher and I loved coming to class early just so I could talk to her. I loved her smile! She had this way of making me feel loved and valued. I was going through a really hard time in my life, and I just knew that when I went to school, she cared, and she loved me. I will never forget her hugs, beautiful smile and laughter. She will forever be one of my angels. I am keeping her beautiful family in my thoughts and prayers. May they feel comfort, love, and peace. Love,..Camilla (Critchfield) Smith

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cranney family, friends and the Oakley community. Such a special, beautiful lady. May wonderful memories of Carla bring you peace and comfort through this difficult time. With love and sympathy – Tim and Kathy Collett and family

My sympathies to Doug & family. I have known this amazing couple for over 40 years, always so loving & kind. May you find peace & comfort in the many memories you created...Carla Mortenson

I am so sorry to hear of Karla’s passing and mourn her loss. We have known each other since grade school, junior high and high school. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for the Saviors love to surround you and your Family in the following months and throughout your lives. She was an amazing and loving person. She obviously cantinued to carry that throughout her life...Kelly Pierce

I first met Karla when we worked together at Idaho Bank & Trust in Burley. With both of us being from Oakley, our paths of friendship crossed many times through the years. She is a beautiful woman through and through. What a blessing to have known her. Monica Jo Bessire Dorsey

We were so surprised at the passing of Karla! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Doug and kids. She was a very elect lady, good friend, and so thoughtful of everyone around her. She will be missed. Just know that we are thinking of all of you, sorry we can't make the funeral, but you'll be in our thoughts and prayers...Wayne and Ronda Andersen

Sincere thoughts to your family . She will be missed by the community and friends...Richard and Georgia Thompson

I was blessed to have met and worked with Karla at the Gift Shop at Cassia Hospital. She was such an inspiration to me. She was a beautiful person. Full of energy, creativity and fun to be around. She made a positive influence on so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time. She will be missed by all who were lucky to know her...Carolyn Staker

So sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady...Heidi robbins

Doug and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Karla was a beautiful and amazing woman. She will be missed by so many people whose lives she has touched. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories bring you comfort...Pat Heidel

My heart was broken when I received word of Karla’s passing. We have been friends since we were about 7 years old! Life got in the way and we didn’t see each other much after we both got married, but I still considered her a dear friend. Her services were a perfect tribute to the amazing lady she was!! I pray all her incredible family can find comfort and peace from our loving Heavenly Father....Candy Peterson Bird

Karla was one of my best friends during school and my roommate at Utah State University. I spent many hours at her home with her awesome parents. They were great examples for me. Karla was always beautiful and talented. I am inspired by her life and all she accomplished for good. May your family be comforted at this time of sorrow....Tina McMurdie