Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Ranney, Teresa (Bristol) 1928 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net November 7, 2009, 6:29 pm Belding Banner News, 3 May 1928 Mrs. Ellis W. Ranney, aged 48, passed away Sunday afternoon, after a prolonged illness of arteriol selerosis and heart degeneration at the sanitarium in Battle Creek, where she had been taken for her greater comfort. All members of her family were with her at the time of her death. Teresa Bristol was born at Almont, Michigan, June 27, 1879, and spent her early life on a farm near that village. After graduating from the Almont schools, she attended Michigan Agricultural college, from which she was graduated in 1899 and where she met her future husband. Since graduation she has been one of the most influential and active alumnae of the institution. She was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. In 1900 she was united in marriage to Ellis W. Ranney. They lived for five years in Belding then went to Greenville to take up their residence. To this union were born five children: Mrs. J.L. Whitlaw, of Panama; Frederick, June Ruth, and Geo. Ellis, all of Greenville. Besides the children, she is survived by her husband; her father, Mr. George Bristol, of Almont; a sister, Mrs. C.G. Yoder, also of Almont and one grand- child. She soon became one of the most active women in the city, giving generously of her time to Greenville’s welfare and entering into its activities wholeheartedly. She was highly interested in charity work, and many needy families have known her generous aid. A member of the Congregational church, she was one of the most able and willing workers in that institution. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and was the principal organizer of the local branch, and its first regent. She was highly interested in club work and in the influence it could wield for good, being a member of the Per Gradus club. She was the first president of the Montcalm county Federation of Women’s clubs and for two years was president of the city Federation, also holding the position of vice president for a like term, and being secretary one year. Since the organization of the county Federation she has been a member of the county board. She served on the county commission during the war, and was a member of the Speaker’s bureau, devoting her time and ceaseless energy to the cause until the end. The Liberty Loan and the Red Cross absorbed her attention, and much of Montcalm county’s success in war activities was due to her interest. She was particularly interested in the youth and schools of the community and took an active part in all child welfare projects. She was actively interested in the Washington club, and a member of the Pioneer society of the O.E.S. Devoting her life to a limited circle, she shone as one of the most brilliant and influential personalities in her sphere. It would have been the same wherever she had bent her talents. To her ability, energy and gentle, willing spirit, Greenville is forever indebted. A woman of astonishing talent, and commanding personality, she gave of her time and labor without stint to whatever she thought she could benefit. The funeral was held at the home Wednesday at 2 p.m., Rev. S.C. Parsons, officiating. A Tribute. Passed through the golden gate, April 29, 1928, Theresa, beloved wife of Ellis W. Ranney, in the forty-ninth year of her earthly pilgrimage. Not a long life, but a well rounded life has passed from our midst. As a wife and mother, the half can never be told. This is sacred ground. Suffice it to say she was a royal help-meet and a wise councilor, a fond and devoted mother. First of all, Mrs. Ranney was the embodiment of high ideals and Christian virtues, with these for a foundation, her queenly qualities shone forth more radiantly day by day. She had the happy faculty of drawing about her an ever widening circle of admiring friends who sought her council and advice. Early in her career she sought a collegiate education, which was exemplified nobly in her life by her ability to express herself so radiantly and vividly. Striking in personality, a listening ear for everyone, especially toward the needy, her memory will linger long in the hearts of many, who will so sorely feel her loss. Jesus said “In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.” The mind of man: How utterly it must fail in its conceptions of the wondrous beauty of those mansions prepared for the blest. Then let us think of our dear one midst sunny climes and fairy bowers; reveling in an atmosphere of beauty, joy and love, when pain and sorrow never enters. [Transcriber's Note: There is a notation on the obituary card that she is buried in Otisco Cemetery.] File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/r/ranney1225nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 5.2 Kb