Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Ranney, George August 14, 1902
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Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com October 21, 2013, 9:13 pm

Belding Banner, Thurs. Aug. 21, 1902


HE LIVED A RECLUSE

A Former Belding Man Hardly Been Off His Farm For Years

Portland Observer; George Ranney died at his home on his farm southeast of town 
in Danby townshop on Thursday morning last, quite suddenly. Although he had 
been afflicted with cancer of the face for several years, dibetes and liver 
trouble were the direct cause of his death. He was 59 years of age August 4.

Mr. Ranney was in the retail lumber business for several years prior to about 
nine years ago, when he moved upon the farm where he died and which, for the 
past six or eight years, he seldom left, owing to the condition of his face 
from the ravages of the cancer. His farm was a fine one, well stocked, and in 
the best of shape.

Mr. Ranney’s wife died about twenty years ago at Belding, to which place Mr. 
Ranney’s remains were taken for burial last Saturday. Deceased was survived by 
a sister, Mrs. Martha Wood, of Shelburn Falls, Mass. And by stepbrothers, Fred 
and C.T. Ranney of Greenville, the former of whom was here a few days before 
his brother died, but was in Ionia when the death occurred, arriving here on 
Thursday morning and making arrangements for the funeral and looking after Mr. 
Ranney’s matters.

Mr. Ranney was an honorable business man, straight as a string in his dealings 
and respected by everybody for his sterling manly qualities. He was a native of 
Ashfield, Mass., but had resided in Michigan upward of 30 years.

The remains were accompanied to the depot from Blanchard’s undertaking rooms by 
a delegation of business men. Rev. Stevens and Fred Ranney and several friends 
of deceased accompanied the remains to Belding, where Mr. Stevens conducted the 
services. Mr. Ranney’s sister and other relatives met the remains at the depot 
at Belding.

Portland Review: Those who knew the George Rammey of a dozen years ago would 
scarcely have recognized him as he lay on his bed in the barn which had been 
his home for several years. Then he was faultlessly attired and his general 
appearance indicated refinement. For the last few years however, the cancer had 
been eating toward the brain and Mr. Ranney was a changed man. There was a 
shabby genteel appearance about him, while his unkept beard and long hair 
helped to cover the affected part of his face. One side had been completely 
eaten away, one eye was gone and yet he was strong physically, doing much of 
the hard work of the farm. It was only lately that he took to his bed from 
diabetes in case being very pronounced and severe, resulting finally in his 
death.

For a time he tried all of the known methods of riding his system of the 
cancer, but of late years he has been discouraged. He knew the outcome and 
often talked with his friends about it. Except for the overshadowing affliction 
the last few years were spent most happily. He lived close to nature, made pets 
of his stock, kept a certain little parcel of woods nearly opposite his barn 
for the wild rabbits and other small game to inhabit-in short, carried out all 
of the commendable little hobbies which made him a friend to all. He has had a 
tenant on his farm most of the time, but he stuck to the barn, allowing the 
house to his employees. He had a comfortable room fitted up there, combining 
office and living apartments. It was here that he died.



Additional Comments:
Co record #b-257

Old Belding Cemetery

b. Mass. Son of Charles Ranney & Harriet (Hall)



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