Mary Katherine "Kay" Fish Cranney passed away in her Afton home surrounded by her family following
a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on April 9, 1953, in Phoenix, Arizona, Kay spent her childhood in
the desert before attending Brigham Young University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in
journalism. During her years at BYU she met the love of her life, Steve Hiram Cranney, and together
they built a home filled with faith, devotion, and deep affection in Star Valley, Wyoming.
Kay was the devoted mother of five children: Cynthia, Sara, Lucas, Philip, and Christopher. Two of her
children, Cynthia and Lucas, were born with a rare genetic condition, and Kay accepted and loved them
and dedicated her life to their care with unwavering patience, tenderness, and strength. Their passing—
Cynthia in 1993 and Lucas in 1998—marked profound losses, yet Kay carried their memory with her
always, drawing strength from her deep faith and the hope of eternal families.
Motivated by her love for her children and her compassion for others facing similar challenges, Kay
returned to school and earned a master's degree in Special Education from the Idaho State University. She
was a tremendous student, loved reading, and was always reaching to learn. If asked to read a chapter,
she would read the book. If assigned to write a 10 page paper, hers would be 100. She continued her
dedication as she devoted many years to teaching and supporting children with special needs, offering
understanding, creativity, and encouragement. Her students at Star Valley High School and their families
were blessed by her dedication and the genuine care she brought to her work. She especially enjoyed her
professional associations with other high needs teachers and staff and her involvement in Special
Olympics.
Family was a priority for Kay and she welcomed all. Kay desired to be known as efficient, and she
definitely fulfilled that role with a tremendous work ethic. She was strong and tireless. She dug fence
posts, rode bikes, planted gardens, and yet tenderly and obediently did every task she was asked by her mother.

She was a great hostess and cook. She along with her husband Steve hosted many
gatherings and served delicious meals including great dutch oven dishes, homemade jam, and jerky. She
loved visitors and sharing. And they loved her!
Kay's life was anchored in her strong faith in Jesus Christ and served diligently the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints in many capacities from music chorister to working with primary children. She was
especially dedicated to ministering and was always ready to lift, comfort, and friendship others, not just
where she was assigned. Her warm outreach extended to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, and she
felt a profound responsibility to bless lives on both sides of the veil. Her testimony shaped her actions,
and her quiet discipleship left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved husband Steve; her children Sara, Philip (Ashley Coker), and
Christopher; and her three grandchildren (Braxton, Ember and Camden), who brought her tremendous
joy and whom she adored beyond measure. She is also survived by 4 sisters (Barbara Jacobson, Marjorie
Franckum, Janet Sizemore, and Nona Fish) and 2 brothers Lloyd and Michael Fish.
Kay will be remembered for her resilience, her compassion, and her unwavering faith. She leaves behind
a legacy of service, devotion, and love—gifts that will continue to bless her family and all who were
touched by her gentle strength.
Her family wishes to thank all who have supported Kay and her loved ones throughout her life.