Crystal Lynn (Trone) James passed from this life on August 20, 2022, at the age of 71. Originally of Rushville, IL, Crystal resided and passed away in Quincy, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Shirley Trone, of Rushville.

She is survived by two daughters, Erin Thurman (husband, Kevin) of Quincy, IL, and Kate Parker (wife, Christine) of San Diego, CA; 3 grandchildren, Ty, Brady, and Emma Thurman; 5 siblings, Ted Trone (wife, Nancy), Tim Trone (wife, Gail), Susan Lux (husband, Kevin), Chris Trone (wife, Lynn), and Doug Trone; as well as 12 nieces and nephews.

Crystal was the oldest of six children—a spirited crew who share great memories of their clever antics over the years.
She had a beautiful smile, complete with dimples and our famous “Trone Twinkle ”. In her prime, she was vivacious and lit up a room. She had a terrific dry and well-timed sense of humor. She inherited her quick sarcastic wit from her mom and her appreciation for puns and funny sayings from her dad.

Crystal lived in a time when the baby boom was in full swing and she experienced the explosion of rock and roll in her youth. Having witnessed the Beatles Invasion, she held an unwavering infatuation with them and was also a dedicated fan of Bob Dylan (a passion shared by her eldest daughter, Erin).
She was intelligent and an avid reader. Though she didn’t have the opportunity to pursue higher education, she proudly encouraged both of her daughters in their academic pursuits.

Crystal’s travels left a great impact on her. In her late teens, she spent her happiest moments in Colorado and held onto her love for the Rocky Mountains and Red Rocks. Visiting her daughter Kate, she became enamored with San Diego’s beaches and the sound of the ocean.

She was dedicated to her family and close friends. She kept in contact, remembered birthdays, followed the weather in states where loved ones lived, and was a faithful presence at family gatherings. She was quick to say “I love you”. Fiercely loyal, she would be in your corner for support (whether you were right or not).

Later in life, Crystal was a proud cat mom to three beloved kitties, Jackie O., Eartha Kitty, and Letty Louise. Her last surviving cat, Letty, resides with Erin in Quincy.

Crystal was strong and hard-headed, which earned her nickname “Hard Rock”. Among her most inspiring qualities, we will remember Crystal’s resiliency. She endured more than her share of life’s adversities, but she survived because her story is marked by redemption. After many hard-fought years, she returned to her faith in her mid-life. She was baptized by Rob Kirkham in the Free Methodist Church in 2001, devoting herself to God and to being a better daughter, mother, sister, and friend.

For her legacy, we will look to her daughters – she was proud of who they have become as grounded, thriving individuals and of their successes in career and family. She was grateful that both found loving spouses.

In Crystal’s last days, her loved ones rallied around her with shared memories and the assurance that she was loved.

A private memorial will be held in her honor on October 16, 2022.