WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ronald Ray Ranney, Sr., age 76, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, December 18, 2023 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek.
He was born August 9, 1947 in Fort Wayne, son of the late Charles and Madonna (Thurer) Ranney.
Ron resided in Sturgis for the past 54 years coming from Wolcottville, Indiana.
While home on leave from the Army he married Marilyn Jordan on June 29, 1968 in Wolcottville.
Ron retired from Grumman Olson in Sturgis following many years of dedicated employment in the specialty department. Prior to joining Grumman Olson he worked several years at G.F. Business Forms, also in Sturgis.
He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis.
Ron took great pride in serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning the rank of Sergeant.
He was a member of LaGrange American Legion Post #215 and Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW where for many years he was a member of the Honor Guard.
Ron had an appreciation for music. He was a talented bass guitarist and for many years played in bands performing throughout the area. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and seemed to always be fixing something. Ron had interests and hobbies, but what he truly loved was time spent with his family.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 55 years: Marilyn; sons: Ronald Ranney, Jr. of Sturgis and Robert (Wendy) Ranney of Bronson; grandchildren: Chris, Eric, Nathan, Kirsten, Ruger, Chazz and Deegan; great grandsons: Jadin, Joshua, Jayce, James and Bradley; brother: Rick (Janet) Ranney of Churubusco, Indiana and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Roger Ranney and Chuck Ranney.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, Dec. 22nd at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis where funeral services celebrating the life of Ronald Ranney, Sr. will begin at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, Dec. 23rd. The Rev. Larry Matro of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Ranney’s memory consider the Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 S. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW, 264 W. Fawn River Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Jack Johnston Chapter #88 D.A.V.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
