On Saturday, March 9, 2024 Denese “Neesee” Lynn Crane (Madill) passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a 2-year battle with cancer. She was 67 years old. She was born to Dennis and Linda Madill on August 28, 1956 in Salt Lake City, UT. She was the oldest of 3 children.

Directly out of high school, Denese entered into the banking industry and her career quickly took off. She was a loyal employee of Zions Bank for over 40 years, retiring as a vice president in 2019.

On February 17, 1996, Denese married the love of her life, Scott “Nortie” Crane, and gained a stepson, Stephen Crane. They were known to their loved ones as Neesee and Nortie. They spent their lives going on as many adventures as possible. The two of them were full of life and brought joy and laughter to all those around them. They spent their time exploring mountains on four-wheelers, camping with their families, snowmobiling in winter, and boating Lake Powell in the summer.

Denese was well known for having a green thumb and a love for gardening. Nortie built Neesee a beautiful garden area and She-Shed, which she referred to as her happy place. After retirement, Neesee spent her mornings nurturing and growing her garden with her large slobbery Bulldog, Barney, at her side. After gardening, Barney patiently (and sometimes, not so patiently) waited in his side-by-side for Neesee to take him on his afternoon ATV ride. No other dog loved the sound of a motor as much as Barney did.

It was in Neeses garden where she and Barney met a beautiful wild cat who was uncertain of people. Neesee named him Max and was determined to earn his trust. Not long after their first encounter, Max had a fully-enclosed heated cat house and a can of the best food waiting for him near her garden. Needless to say, they quickly became good friends. Max was often seen on his heated bed cuddling with his new friend Barney the Bulldog, the two of them were the most unlikely pair.

In 2021, when Denese lost her beloved husband, she was determined to keep their adventures alive. A strong-willed Denese decided to learn to drive their 35′ motorhome and signed up for lessons. Once again, Denese persevered through her challenges and was back on the road enjoying life through travel and exploring with her closest friends and family.

Our family would like to express our gratitude for the time and efforts made by the wonderful staff at Zions Way, Denese’s neighbors, Dennis and Brenda Shakespeare, her mother, Linda Wilson, and the countless members of her ward and community who volunteered their services. And, to Al and Jenny Madill, Julie Owens, and Troy Snook for traveling hundreds of miles week after week to be with and provide care for Denese in her last few months of life.

Denese is preceded in death by her husband Scott Crane, her father Dennis Madill, and her great niece Nora Mae Loftus. She is survived by her mother Linda Wilson, her sister Julie (Jon) Owens, her brother Allen (Jenny) Madill, her stepson Stephen Crane, her in-laws Clyde and Ora Crane, Richard (Gloria) Crane, Jim (Debra) Crane, Claudia Blackburn, and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Kanab Cemetery.