Lorraine Albert Cranford

Obituary Notice

Lorraine Albert Cranford, 86, of Little Rock, died Friday, December 3, 2004 at U.A.M.S. Medical Center. She was born in Steubenville, Ohio on September 4, 1918 to the late Henri and Arthurine VanKlempette Albert. She was a teacher of dance, and was the founder of the former Ballet Arkansas.

Survivors include a daughter, Suzanne Cranford Shankle and husband Robert of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Stasia Burk and husband Cody of Little Rock, Trevan Price and wife Christine of Dallas, TX, Ronny Shankle, and Pique Shankle both of Dallas, TX.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 6, at Ruebel Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 7, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church with the Reverend Rocky Profitt officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Smyers Cemetery near Perryville; and two great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, Arkansas Festival Ballet, or the Arkansas Academy of Dance.

Register Book

 

  • Bettye Wiqaar 
    Care Giver 
    Little Rock Arkansas 
    Email: nafaye@aol.com
  • Suzanne, Stasia and Trevan, Our sincerest sympathy. Your mother was always such a bright, cheery person whenever we used to see her at your house on Longwood Road. If you don't remember our name, we lived across the street in the bright gold house when you lived in Cammack Village.
    Dennis and Marlane (McLain) Kersenbrock 
    6609 Longwood Road 
    Cammack Village, AR 72207
    Email: minisecretarial@hotmail.com 
  • Suzi-- So sorry to learn of your Mom's death. I know she is dancing her way to heaven. I have been out of town, or I would have attended the funeral-- you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will share this information with Mother (Willie Oates), as I know she will be so sad to hear the news. If Lorraine couldn't go on stage... I'm sure a benefit for the Nutcracker and her beloved Ballet program in Arkansas was her second choice. Much love, 
    Debbie Oates Erwin 
    Faculty, UAMS/College of Public Health 
    Little Rock, Arkansas 
    Email: doerwin@uams.edu
  • Suzi - I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I think of you all often and fondly. Stacia is adorable and I hope your family will bring you great comfort. Lorraine was much loved in Little Rock and did a lot of good things here to keep the ballet going. I would see her from time to time and we always got along even though we didn't have any business together. She always looked so well and attractive. She had a good life and gave much - which is what we all should strive to do. Hope you and your family are all well and happy. My thoughts and prayers to you. Love, 
    Allison Streepey 
    Little Rock, Arkansas
    Email: astreepey@uams.edu
  • Suzi, I was sad to hear of your mom's passing away. I don't know if you remember me, but I was one of her ballet students at Cranford House in Lockwood Shopping Center. I remember at the time you worked at Taffey's dance wear. I was in class with Deanne Tomlinson, Cyndy Jones, Richard Schaffer, etc. My name is Connie Cornell (maiden name is Swift). I talked with your mom several times on the telephone in recent years. She was a sweet heart. Love,
    Connie Cornell
    Registered Nurse
    Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
    Email: ConnieBeth46@aol.com
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