Crank, Ethelyn (1944-2022)

CRANK, MCMILLAN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/1/2022 at 08:46:03

Obituary
Ethelyn (Lyn) McMillan Crank died unexpectedly surrounded by her family, at Iowa Methodist Hospital on July 18, 2022, in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 78.

Lyn is survived by her husband, Don, of 50 years; children, Barret (Heather), Meredith (Brian), Andrew (Lindsey); grandchildren, Mitchell and Christian Crank, Katie (R.J.) Kimrey, Madison Crank and Beau Bishop, Ambrose and Remington Crank; siblings, Harriet Chamberlain (Beech Mountain, N.C.), and Jed McMillan (Winston Salem, N.C.). As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents William H. and Ethel McMillan (North Carolina) and her older brother, William (Bill) McMillan (Statesville, N.C).

Lyn was born on February 3rd. 1944 in Gaffney, S.C. to Willaim H. and Ethel McMillan. Lyn was the third of four children who grew up in Charlotte, N.C. and graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 1962. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and later graduated with a BA from Wichita State University in 1968. She majored in French and minored in English and Psychology. On June 17th,1972, Lyn married the love of her life, Don Crank in Charlotte, NC. Over the next 9 years, the couple welcomed 3 children into their home, and she continued her studies to become a professional counselor. While working as a vocational counselor, she attended evening classes at Clemson University in South Carolina and graduated with a master’s (MSE) in counseling in 1977. Eventually, Lyn and her family relocated to Des Moines, IA where she and Don would continue their professional careers and raise their children. She had a 40-year career as a high school teacher, counselor, and vocational rehabilitation counselor in North Carolina, Alabama, and Iowa. Lyn officially retired from the Iowa Division of Rehabilitation Services in 2006. After retirement, she became the office manager for her husband Don, at Jordan Creek Foot and Ankle, in West Des Moines, until his retirement in 2012.
Lyn loved God, her family, her home, and others put in her path. She enjoyed cooking, singing, playing the piano, playing bridge, spending time with her grandchildren, and the beach.
Lyn’s family will remember her as a kind, gentle, patient, and compassionate person who always encouraged them to love one another, pursue their ambitions, and always do the right thing. Lyn was an indisputably accomplished homemaker, mother, grandmother, and friend. She kept a tidy and organized home, that was comfortable and welcoming to all. She could often be found in the kitchen cooking for Sunday dinners, baking pies and pound cakes, and the best homemade rolls and meatloaf you’ve ever eaten. She loved to serve a fresh cooked meal and enjoyed it with anyone who gathered around her table. Lyn enjoyed planning and spending the holidays with her family, and always made sure that each family member was celebrated throughout the year. Her favorite and most cherished holiday, undeniably, was Christmas. She was an expert in Christmas decorating and made plans for the entire day from brunch to dinner, followed by an evening full of games and fellowship with her family. Lyn adored spending time with her grandchildren and making sure that they always had the best time and experiences. She spent time gardening, taking care of others, and giving her time to various people and places along the way. Lyn was the everlasting counselor to many. She was a generous, witty, and dedicated individual who loved her family and was passionate about America. She had an infectious laugh and a dazzling smile, that always greeted you at the door with a “Hey, there”. She was an active and dedicated member of the Saint Mark Lutheran Church and often volunteered her time for church events. Lyn will be greatly missed by many because she touched and love so many lives in her path.
A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date at St. Mark Lutheran Church, in West Des Moines. The family will notify family and friends regarding details of the service in the near future. All who knew and loved Lyn are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.

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