Betty Ranum

Betty Ann Ranum died on March 5, 2014 at her home at the age of 87. Betty was born June 18, 1926 in Grenora, North Dakota to Charles and Alma (Bardal) Johnson. She attended a one room school house on the North Dakota prairie until her family moved to Bigfork, Minnesota in 1936. She graduated from Bigfork High School in 1943 at the age of 16. Betty worked in a variety store in Bigfork until moving to Starbuck, Minnesota in 1949. Soon after, she met Harold Ranum at the Lakeside Ballroom. They were married on March 11, 1950 at Indherred Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck. The Ranums farmed near Starbuck and Glenwood for six years and then moved to Alexandria. Betty was a devoted mother to her four children. She was an active 4-H parent and leader and a faithful member of First Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. As her children grew older, Betty began work as a para-professional at Central Junior High and Washington Elementary, work that continued for 17 years. She loved both the students and the teaching staff she supported. Betty enjoyed the outdoors and, together with Harold, nurtured five acres of vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers. Her green thumb was evident in many county fair ribbons and beautiful vegetables and apples at farmers? market. In addition, she worked at various nurseries in Alexandria during the busy spring season. For eight years, she also worked in the chalet at Andes Tower Hills. Spending time with her family was Betty?s most cherished activity. From attending children?s events to hosting grandchildren for weeks in the summer, she was an involved wife, mother, and grandmother. Betty is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Harold; son, Richard (Mary) of Twin Lake, MI; daughter, Becky (Steve) Wenz of Firth, NE; daughter, Bev (Dennis) Meyer of Minneapolis, MN; and daughter, Bonnie (Brian) Ohm of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Mark Ranum, Sarah Ranum, Russell Wenz, Tony Wenz, Mikayla Meyer Rettig, Adam Meyer, Daniel Meyer, Laurel Ohm, Peter Ohm, and Anders Ohm; and ten great grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Alice. A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Marilee Bergerson officiating. Donations to the First Lutheran Church Building Fund are gratefully appreciated. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.