Katherine "Kate" Jean Cranford

Katherine Jean Cranford (née Kritchever) passed peacefully into her heavenly home on March 21, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born on August 17, 1943, in San Diego, California, Katherine—affectionately known as "Kate” by family—was the eldest of four children. Her family later moved to Chicago, where she graduated from New Trier High School before attending Syracuse University, studying Spanish and French.

While at Syracuse, Katherine married Walter Prokopiw, and they had two children, Kristina and Stephen. After their divorce, she moved to Chicago before relocating to Southern California for a fresh start. There, she met and married Dale Cranford, and they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer.

Katherine’s faith journey was the cornerstone of her life. In 1971, she attended a church service in Chula Vista and, upon hearing the worship, knew she was "home." That night, she gave her life to Christ, shaping the rest of her life.

In 1973, the family moved to St. Anthony, Idaho, where Dale trained as a hunting guide. One summer, the family spent three memorable weeks camping in the mountains, where Katherine cooked over an open fire, and writing worship songs while playing her autoharp. By 1980, the

family moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and though her marriage ended in 1983, Katherine’s faith continued to deepen and mature.

Becoming a grandmother in 1981 was one of her greatest joys. After her father’s passing in 1986, she returned to Southern California to be near her mother. After her mother’s passing in 1988, Katherine pursued a creative writing degree at Old Dominion University. In 1989, she traveled to Europe, living between London and Paris before returning to Coeur d'Alene in 1992 to welcome another grandchild.

In 1993 at the age of 50, Katherine moved to Westport, Ireland, where she purchased and lovingly transformed a large house into a beautiful retreat to do Bed and Breakfast. This endeavor became more than just a business; it was the embodiment of her ministry through hospitality. Katherine opened her home and heart to guests from around the world, offering not only a warm place to stay but also sharing her profound faith journey. Through heartfelt conversations, she recounted her personal "God stories"—testimonies of divine interventions, revelations, and healings she had experienced. These accounts served to inspire and uplift those who crossed her threshold, intertwining everyday experiences with spiritual insights. Katherine's B&B, called Rainbows End, became a sanctuary where visitors found physical rest and spiritual healing, touched by her unwavering faith and genuine compassion.

After more than 20 years in Westport, Ireland, she sold her home in 2014 and moved back to Post Falls to be closer to her loved ones.

She is survived by her children, Kristina Wayne (David) of Post Falls, Idaho, Stephen Prokopiw (Maureen) of Spanish Fork, Utah, and Jennifer Bonner (Sean) also of Post Falls; six grandchildren: Elijah Cranford (Brenda) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Aaron Wayne of Post Falls,

Daniel Bonner and Rachel Bonner of Post Falls, Evan Prokopiw and Nathan Prokopiw of Spanish Fork, Utah; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 26, at New Life Hayden, 6068 W. Hayden Avenue, Rathdrum, Idaho.

She will be deeply missed but joyfully remembered.