Donald Ranney Obituary

Donald D. Ranney died at Pikes Peak Hospice on Tuesday, January 2, 2007. His death came after several years of battling failing health and a three year struggle with cancer. His wife and caregiver, Karen was by his side. Don, as he preferred to be called, was born on April 11, 1928. He was the youngest of seven children born to Elmer Ranney and Neva (Reed) Ranney in Normal, IL. He often joked about being an Uncle when he was born. His parents preceded him in death as well as brothers, Herbert, Henry, and William. His sisters, Viola Gruber, Nelle Hindenburg, and Margarite Morgan also preceded him in death. Don was educated in Bloomington, IL and joined the Navy Seabees. After his duty ended he chose law enforcement as his career and began serving with the Bloomington Police Dept. from 1950 to 1958. He then moved his family to CO and joined the Colorado Springs Police Dept. serving from 1959 to November 1976. He met Karen Smith in March 1975 and, after a short time, they were married in a private ceremony in Boulder, CO. They observed 31 years of marriage June 4, 2006. He joined her in managing the family pawn loan and jewelry business and they retired in 1995 due to his health. He enjoyed a simple life of reading, television, and the Broncos. He believed in trying to make someone smile or laugh everyday. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of VFW Post 4051. Don is survived by two sons from his first marriage. Auddie L. and wife Barb of Las Vegas, NV and David R. of Ft. Mohave, AZ. He also has three grandchildren, Clint (wife Ninya) Audra and Chad. Three great grandchildren, Salym, Jade, and Zane, who is due anyday. Other survivors are sister-in-law Irene Ranney of CT, and several nieces and nephews and their families. The loss of his teenage daughter, Linda in 1962 was the saddest time in his life. Last, but not least, his feline companions, "Momma Cat" who preceded him in death last summer and "Baby Jane", who survives to keep Karen company, gave him a lot of pleasure. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2007 at the Shrine of Remembrance. Entombment will follow at the mausoleum, in the Alcove of Hope. If there are those wishing to make a memorial donation, the family suggests Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 or a favorite charity of the givers choice. The care and concern for Don by the staff at the Hospice was so appreciated as well as the support for Karen. The family is also grateful to the nurses and CNA's working in the Oncology Unit at Memorial Hospital for their skilled care and support while Don was hospitalized. You are all so important, and a great team. Forever cherished in our hearts and memories.