Charles Arthur Ranney, 92, of rural Lebanon passed from this life to the next at his home on Monday, July 15, 2024. He entered this world August 16, 1931, at home in rural Lebanon. Charlie, as he was known to loved ones, was the second of ten children born to Ralph C. & Ruby F. (Neese) Ranney. He attended Lebanon and Advance schools and lived his entire life in or around Lebanon, except for his service in the Army stationed in Trieste, Italy during the Korean War.
Charles married Marilyn May (Jett) Ranney on May 20, 1950. Charles and Marilyn enjoyed 48 years with each other. Together they had five children. She preceded him in death on September 6, 1998.
He married Judy Ann (Rodgers-Hysong) Ranney on July 27, 2002, who survives him. Charles and Judy spent 21 years together enjoying their families and traveling.
Charles was an excellent example to his family with a terrific work ethic. He began working as a young boy on the family farm and for his aunt and uncle, Ruth and Richard Batts. He went on to work at National Homes, Winkler’s / Stewart Warner, and Allison Transmission, where he retired in December of 1996. Never afraid of hard work, he also enjoyed side jobs working for farmers and on lawnmowers.
Charles had a love of NASCAR and old western movies. He especially had a love for his cars, trucks, and Harley Davidson motorcycles, occasionally teased that he had more photos of them than his kids. He took great pride in his lawn, garden, tools, and was known to wash & wax his Wheelhorse tractors regularly. He also enjoyed carpentry, even building his and Marilyn’s dream house in 1985 with the help of their kids & grandkids. Charles especially enjoyed attending his family’s sporting events and traveling, including cruises, bus, and train trips.
Charles was baptized for the remission of sins a few years ago as commanded in Acts 2:38 and was a member of the Jamestown church of Christ, attending regularly when his health permitted.
Charles is survived by wife Judy, daughter Tamara (Joe) Creek, sons Todd (Paola) Ranney and Trent (Kim) Ranney, daughter-in-law Lynda Ranney, daughters Lisa (Paula) Griffith and Lana (Scott) Sallee, and grandchildren John (Miranda) Johnson, Austin Ranney, Samantha (Ryan) Foy, James (Jane) Ranney, Robert (Alicia) Ranney, Joel (Jacelyn) Ranney, Jason Ranney, Julia (Jackson) Smith, Kevin (Jennifer) Sartin, Olivia (Donovan) Hicks, Emily Richardson, Gavin Sallee, Lily Sallee, Nathaniel Sallee, along with 22 great grandchildren, sisters Winnie Powel, Myrtle Giles, and Charlene Fisher, and close cousin Marion Batts.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marilyn, infant son Arthur, son, Timothy, daughters-in-law Elizabeth (Betsy) Ranney and Linda Ranney, daughter Lori Hysong-Moore, great granddaughter Dixi Ranney, brothers Robert, Clyde, Ronnie, Harold, and sisters Annabelle & Caroline.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Funeral Services with Military Rites are planned for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the funeral home with visitation again from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Charles’ grandson, Austin Matthew Ranney will officiate. Interment will follow services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Ranney Family Scholarship fund c/o the North Salem State Bank. This scholarship is awarded to high school graduates entering the medical field.