Shirley J. (Riggle) Ranck

Shirley J. Ranck, 92, of Watsontown, entered into eternal rest September 20, 2020, at Watsontown Nursing and Rehab.  

Shirley was born on March 12, 1928, in South Williamsport. She was the daughter of Wilbur and Lydia (Williamson) Riggle.  She met the love of her life at a square dance in South Williamsport over 70 years ago.  She was a city girl … he was a farm boy. She wasn’t sure at first but she married Russell Ranck on September 9, 1950 and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before his death in December 2018.

Weighing only three pounds at birth, the doctor told her mother “Lydia, you’ll never raise this child.”  But she was a survivor.  Not only being very tiny at birth at a time many babies of that weight were not strong enough to survive, but there were also many happenings throughout her life that made her an amazingly strong example to her family.  She was only 19 when her mother suddenly passed way.  Her first baby boy died only 6 hours after his birth.  In 2017, the home she shared with her husband burned to the ground, taking with it years of precious memories they shared.  In early 2018, she was diagnosed with cancer and beat it at the age of 90.  Later that year, she lost her beloved husband.  Her resilience and faith through all of this is an example for all her family and friends. 

She enjoyed traveling – she especially enjoyed trips with her husband to the New England states.  She loved the beautiful scenery and the welcoming people.  Her camera was always within reach, whether it was on the trips she took or at any family gathering.  She loved her gardens, canning anything she could get her hands on – giving away as much as she used for her own family’s needs.  You never left her home without something baked or canned.  She enjoyed cooking for her family and company.  Many will remember her filled noodles and her meatloaf.

She was a member of the White Deer Valley Baptist Church, being involved in the church’s choir, chicken barbeque, and making of the chocolate covered pretzels.  She loved the fellowship of all of these events.

Her compassion and generosity reached to whoever was in need of anything.  As one of her granddaughters said in remembering her Mimi, “She taught us how to live and how to give.”

Surviving are three daughters and son-in-laws, Deborah J. and Dan Masser of Allenwood, Susan L. and Craig Pullen of Byars, OK, and Diane A. And Gary Saul of Catawissa; one son and daughter-in-law, Steve A. and Kimberly Ranck of Muncy; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Florence Metzger, Montoursville.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son Keith A. Ranck, and a sister, Eleanor Riggle.

A private burial for Shirley and Russell will be held at the convenience of the family at Wildwood Cemetery in Williamsport.  A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held the day after what would have been her 93rd birthday, March 13, 2021.

The family suggests contributions in Shirley’s memory be made to White Deer Valley Baptist Church, 572 White Deer Church Road, Allenwood, PA  17810. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PC, 124 Main Street Watsontown.

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