Mary Ranney

Mary Ann Ranney, 95, died Feb.5, 2013, at Brandon Woods of Alvamar. She had moved to Lawrence in 2011 after suffering a stroke.

Mary Ann was born Nov. 18, 1917, the daughter of Dr. Erastus S. and Anne Edgerton.

She graduated from Wichita High School East in 1935, and from the University of Kansas in 1939 with a degree in entomology. While a senior at KU, she was president of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Mary Ann was a devoted mother, a gracious hostess, a lifelong supporter of the arts, a master gardener, and an ardent advocate for the less fortunate, especially children. She served on the Wichita Children’s Home Board of Directors for 33 years, after which she volunteered for 18 more years.

Mary Ann was an avid golfer, a bird lover, and a much-admired flower arranger.  She and two friends opened the Sign of the Acorn art gallery in 1977.

Junior League of Wichita presented Mary Ann with its Sustainer of the Year Award in 2009.
For 15 years – from when she was 78 until she was 93 – Mary Ann was an active participant in Wichita State University’s Center for Physical Activity and Aging exercise program.

She married Walter R. Ranney on Nov. 27, 1943, at her parents’ home in Wichita. They were married 49 years. Walter died Feb. 7, 1993. Survivors include sons, Roy “Edgie” Ranney and wife, Pam, Sydney, Australia; Dave Ranney and wife, Candice, Lawrence, Kan.; Michael “Mick” Ranney and wife, Amber, Lawrence, and John Ranney, Wichita. Daughter Elizabeth “Liz” Ranney, Lawrence, died May 10, 1999. Also surviving are five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann asked that her obituary be brief.

A celebration of Mary Ann’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, at University Congregational Church, 9209 East 29th St N, Wichita, Kan. The family suggests memorials to Wichita Children’s Home, 810 N. Holyoke, Wichita, KS, 67208.
 

8 Condolences

  1. Pam W. on February 6, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    Mary Ann was a shinning light here at the Wichita Children’s Home. I cared very much for her and will truly miss her! My deepest sympathy to the family.
    Pam W.



  2. Bob Cory on February 7, 2013 at 7:36 am

    Edge-sorry for your loss. God Bless. -Bob



  3. Sally Mize Garrett on February 7, 2013 at 9:38 am

    To the Ranney Family, I am the daughter of Dick Mize and thus your cousin. I met some of you at Dad’s service last year in Atchison. Your mother was a treasured cousin of Dad’s and he very much enjoyed and respected her. I am sorry I did not know her well. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sally



  4. Molly Mulloy on February 8, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    Dear Ranney Family – My mother (Sue Gilkeson) was very sorry to hear about your mother. Mom and Mary Ann were close friends and travel-mates for over 60+ years and shared many fine memories.They had such good lives and times in Wichita. Mom is too frail to call you but wanted me to send her best wishes. Molly Mulloy



  5. Cathie McClure on February 9, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    So sorry to hear of Mary Ann’s passing. My mother Martie McClure wished me to pass on her condolences to a fellow sorority sister. I have very fond memories of being with your family in Wichita. Our sympathy to you all. Cathie



  6. Kathy Robbins on February 10, 2013 at 11:17 am

    I’m so sorry to hear of Mary Ann’s passing. My mother, Margaret Barmann, met her when she came to Brandon Woods, and asked me to pass on her condolences. My mother had a very high regard for Mary Ann, and recognized her beautiful, caring spirit. We are both so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Kathy Robbins



  7. Suzi Miner on February 12, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    Edgie,
    My sincere condolences on your loss of your wonderful mother. She and my mother were school mates at East High, and of course our families shared many years at First Pres. as you and I followed the family footsteps to East ourselves. Mother passed away last March at 94, yet even after such long and full lives it is never easy to say good-bye. Best wishes,
    Suzi



  8. Barbara Mize and Rod McLenon on February 13, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    To the children of Walter and Mary Ann Ranney: Please accept our condolences for the death of your mother. My Dad, Dick (Walter Richard) Mize was extremely fond of his cousin Walter and Mary Ann. We were so touched that Mary Ann was able to attend Dick’s memorial service a year ago. Dad was faithful about forwarding the Ranney Christmas letter to us children each year, which we enjoyed so much. We are proud of our Ranney heritage through Lotta Ranney Mize. So sorry for your loss.



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