Mary Ranney Obituary

Mary Ann 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.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.