Brenda K. (Pier) Cranston, age 45, of Huron, SD, died from complications following a long battle with an ongoing illness, on Friday, January 22, 2010, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Her funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 28, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-8 p.m. at Welter Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 p.m.; or Thursday morning one hour prior to the service.

Brenda (Pier) Cranston was born on September 25, 1964, in Huron, SD. Her parents were Gary Pier and Donna (Mrs. John) LeGrand. She graduated from Huron High School in 1983 where she was active in basketball, gymnastics, music, cheerleading and many other activities. Brenda also worked at the local Orange Julius with her sister Rhonda during those years. Following her graduation from high school, Brenda attended college at the University of South Dakota for a year, ultimately graduating with honors from Huron University in 1991, with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. Between her studies and life with Barry, Brenda also worked at Maurices and the Jack and Jill Grocery store.

Brenda was married to Barry Cranston on May 31, 1986. In January of 1989 Barry and Brenda moved to Miller, SD, where Barry accepted a position as the City Finance Officer. While in Miller, Brenda worked most extensively for the Miller School District, where she was employed as a substitute teacher and a teachers aide. While an aide she spent what she considered her most important time working with students who had special education needs. In 1992 Barry was offered a position with the Greater Huron Development Corporation. After returning to Huron, Brenda worked for a short time as a part-time aide and substitute teacher for the Huron School District until her disability later prevented her from working. Barry and Brenda were blessed with the birth of their son, Zackary, in April of 1994.

Watching her son grow up playing baseball, football, basketball and soccer, Brenda was an avid fan always there to watch games. Some of her fondest memories were attending traveling team tournaments and the frequent gatherings following the games and tournaments. She loved getting together with people at parties and eating at the great restaurants surrounding the area. As Zack moved into high school, she regained her love of watching the Huron Tiger basketball teams play. She rarely missed a game unless her health or weather prevented her from attending. She loved sports, being outdoors when possible and she was always open to a shopping trip.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Barry, and her son Zack of Huron; her mother, Donna (Mrs. John LeGrand); of Huron; her father Gary (Jackie) Pier of Huron; her sister Rhonda (Scott) Klinkel of Aberdeen; her niece, Jennifer (Chad) Letvin of Aberdeen; her nephew, Chad Klinkel of Aberdeen; her grandmothers, Pearl Zell of Huron and Opal Pier of Huron; her mother-in-law, Gayle Cranston of Huron; her brothers-in-law, Brad Cranston of Huron and Rick (Kristie) Cranston of Lakewood, CO; her sister-in-law, Carole (Rod) Wiedenman of Huron; and many other uncles, aunts, cousins and wonderful friends.

Brenda was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Gilbert Pier and Albert Zell; her father-in-law, Jack Cranston; and her step father, John LeGrand.