Mary Colleen King, known to her friends and family as Connie, passed away March 10 at Harney District Hospital.

Connie was born Dec. 3, 1937, in Fort Pierre, S.D., to Kathryn and Edward Hughes. She grew up in the surrounding area as one of three children, with Tom and Phyllis.

She met Clayton Hurst King in 1952, and they later married on Dec. 27, 1958. They then settled in Onida, S.D., where they began ranching. They remained in this area for eight years as successful ranchers and started their family.

In 1966, they moved to Harney County with their daughter, Carla, and continued ranching after purchasing land in both the Wagontire and Crane areas. They settled in Crane for many years where they raised their three children, Carla, Matt, and Katie. Connie enjoyed her time working at various jobs around the Crane community, including cooking at the Crane school cafeteria and at the Crane Store. She was also very active in the Crane Catholic Church.

In 2005, they retired from ranching and sold their cow/calf operation in Wagontire, and kept a smaller portion to continue farming until Clayton’s death in 2011. During this time, they sold their house in Crane and moved into Burns.

Connie is survived by her three children, Carla King, Matthew King, and Kathryn Carman (King); five grandchildren, Chad Thompson, Tara Thompson, Jason Carman Jr., Cody King, and Mackenzie King; and two great-grandchildren, Cannon Yaryan and Paisley Blake Carman.

Services for Connie were held March 24 at the Crane Catholic Church. A graveside service followed at the Burns Cemetery. The family wishes to thank those who attended the services.

Donations may be made to the Crane Catholic Church in her memory.