Fay L. Ranard passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 1, 2011. Fay was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on April 29, 1922.
She was one of seven children born to R.J. and Grace Della Frey. In that same year the family moved to a farm in the Twin Bridges, MT area. Mom spent her school years in Butte, graduating from Butte High in 1940. She married A.W. (Bill) Ranard, a Butte miner on April 20, 1940. Soon after, they moved to Helena where their first son Arlee Wayne was born in January 1941. Arlee’s death from cancer in December 1943 was devastating. However, her second son came along just a month later, followed by a third son a year later so she had little time to mourn. A.W. joined the Navy and went off to war in June of 1944 which kept her busy providing for her children. Upon his return to Helena, Bill went into road construction, which kept the family following his jobs around the state. They lived in Helena, Jefferson City, Drummond, Clinton, White Sulphur Springs, and Bozeman. Finally, in 1953, Fay gave birth to her only daughter, which declared the end of nomadic living. They bought a home in Helena and settled down to raise the family. Bill died in a semi-truck accident in January 1971.
Fay worked nearly all of her life and excelled at many occupations. She was a waitress, a chef, an insurance agent, a grocery clerk and a head bookkeeper of a bank. She also managed a tavern and a retirement home. She was an excellent cook and loved serving the public.
Preceding Fay in death were her parents, husband, eldest son and five of six siblings. Surviving are her sister, Shirley Miller of Mill Creek, WA; sons, William (Billie) Ranard of Bozeman; Robert Ranard of Woodinville, WA; and daughter, Della (Bob Johnson) Ranard of East Helena. She has six grandchildren, Arlene Ranard, Tom Ranard, Jerry Ranard; Bob Ranard, Jr., Bill (Michele) Ranard, Jr., Stacy (Brian) Foreman; ten great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
For the past several years, Mom resided at the Cooney Convalescent Home in Helena suffering with Alzheimer’s. The care given by the staff at Cooney and by Dr. Snider was superb. They tended to her ever increasing needs.
Visitation will be held from 12:30-7p.m., Friday, June 3, 2011 with family receiving friends from 5:30-7p.m. at Retz Funeral Home. A funeral service is scheduled at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service at the home of Bob Johnson and Della Ranard, 5 W. Riggs, East Helena.
Please send memorial contributions in Fay’s name to the Cooney Home Memorial Board, 2555 E. Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601. To offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Fay, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Diane and Ray Eby says
Della and family
So sorry to read of your loss. I remember your mom back from our old softball days. She was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Lisa and Ed Egan says
Della are thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Love You
Kathy says
Walking in the pesrence of giants here. Cool thinking all around!
Tim Clavin says
Della and Family,
So sorry to read about your mom’s passing.
She was such a nice person in the years gone by.
All the best in these sad times.
Tim
Dave Heller says
Bill,Bob and Della.
Sorry to hear the passing of your mom.
I will always remember the good times we had at the house on Wilder St.
Feel free to e-mail.
richard radcliffe says
it was a pleasure to take care of your mom rip fay and im so sorry for your loss of a dear lady she was fond in my heart
Jo Ann Jones says
Della, I am so sad to hear about Fay’s death. I know you were so close and I know she appreciated having such a caring daughter. You, Bob and your brothers are in my thoughts and prayers, sweetie.
Jeff Pedersen says
Della:
Jeff and I were sorry to hear that your mom passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless you all
Karen and Bill Houston says
Della, Bob and family: We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. You’ve always talked so highly of her – I’m sure you was a wonderful woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless
Sandi (Sangray) Meyers says
Della, Billie and Bob
I was so sorry to see that you had lost your mother. She was a pretty neat lady and I enjoyed working with her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!!
Tina Whitaker says
Della and family – so saddened to hear of your mother’s passing but glad to see her picture and know that she had so many wonderful years. What an amazing woman, I am glad to have known her. Peace and may your memories gift you some comfort in your time of loss.