I was born September 7, 1954 in Marion, Ohio to Paul and Minnie Cranston.  I grew up in Marion, the youngest of five siblings.  I was content being the youngest.  I currently have two sisters and one brother.

In 1972, following high school at Marion Harding, I got married.  In 1973, our son, Joe Gordon, was born.  When Joe was a year old, we moved to Bellefontaine, Ohio for better employment opportunities for my husband.  We bought a home in 1976 and had our daughter, Mindy in 1977.  Our children were very bright, did well in school, and I was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom.  They were my joy and my life.

In 1989, my loving father passed away and we relocated to Marion so that I could be closer to my grieving mother.  My mother did not drive, so I needed to assist her with her grocery shopping, paying her bills, etc.  I enjoy spending time with her.

In 1990, I took a job as a receptionist in a small factory in Marion.  Our son, Joe, graduated with honors from Marion Harding High School in 1991 and continued his education at the Ohio State University. 

In 1994, my husband and I divorced.  I then started working at a local overhead door company.  In 1995, my daughter graduated from Marion Harding High School and my son graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. 

In October of 1996, my first and only grandchild, Ethan, was born.  Although I thought I was too young to be a grandma, he brought so much joy to my life.  I took a job out of town at a hydraulic press manufacturing company, working in the sales department.  I was employed there for 5 years, until becoming laid off in 2001.  In 1997, my son married Heidi Adams (Daughter of Linda, Princess of Laughter).

In 2001, I started searching for employment and found a job at Galion Community Hospital, where I am presently employed.  I also got remarried in 2001.

In 2003, my son graduated from Colorado State University with his Master’s Degree in Business.  For my birthday, my children got me a dog, Georgie.  He is a red-haired mixture of Pomeranian and Corgi.  He is also a great companion.

In 2004, Joe, Mindy, and Heidi had a wonderful, surprise party for my 50^th birthday.  Linda, Lady of Laughter, bought for me my first red hat and since then, we have developed a friendship that I truly treasure.  In 2005, I took my vows and became Princess of Sunshine, Victorian Bouquets in Westerville, Ohio.  I have met so many wonderful people and I have such a wonderful time with all my Red Hat Sisters.  The Red Hat Society has become such a special part of my life.  Near the end of 2005, my husband and I divorced.