Etna “Judy” Ranville
1926 - 2016Etna “Judy” La Way Ranville, 90, of Wilderness Park
Michigan passed away on October 3, 2016, at her
family home, surrounded by loved ones.
Judy was born April 16, 1926 in Cheboygan, Michigan
to Captain E.J, La Way, and Flora Barclay La Way. She married Gordon
Ranville on September 30, 1948, and the two raised their family in
Mackinaw City, and Kalamazoo, before finally returning to Big Stone Bay,
the La Way family homestead.
For years, Judy ran a small camp store in Wilderness Park, selling fresh
donuts and other goods to campers in the park. Beginning with the dream
of a few friends, she was a major driving source behind the establishment
of a Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Faith Memorial Chapel, in Carp Lake.
As a Mackinaw City Women’s Club member and president, she became
involved with the Mackinaw Area Public Library. As head librarian, she
worked diligently to relocate the library to a bigger, more accessible
building, and location closer to local schools.
Together with Nancy Campbell, she compiled and
authored Memories of Mackinaw, an extensive work
on area history, One of her most favorite
accomplishments can be seen in the Michigan Room
of the Mackinaw Public Library, It is a room filled
with Michigan historical treasures, which she
searched the state for and acquired through various
donors, At the end of her career, she was honored by
the State of Michigan for her 40 years of exemplary
service to the community.
In retirement, she enjoyed traveling, and spending time with her family, as
well as a brief and unofficial tenure as Wilderness Park Mayor, presiding
over local issues with neighbors in the Wilderness Park General Store
Judy will always be remembered for her strong leadership and her
willingness to see the needs of others and work to see them filled. Her
contagious smile, sense of humor and strong commitment and love for
her family will be forever in our hearts.
In addition to her parents and husband Gordon, Judy is preceded in death
by her sister, Ann (Walter) Leist, brother, Edward, and son Thomas.
Judy is survived by her daughter Peggy Klein of Nashville, Tennessee,
sons Jerry Ranville and wife Fay of Charlevoix, Michigan,
Jim Ranville and Debbie James of Cheboygan, Michigan, and
Ken Ranville of Wilderness State Park, as well as 6 grandchildren,
11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Straits in
Mackinaw City, Michigan at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 8, 2016.
Light refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall.
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