Anne Ranck

Anne Ranck passed away on August 14 2024 in Bradbury California, and went to her eternal home with Jesus in heaven!  Born on September 8, 1929, in Hinsdale Illinois, her full name was Mildred Anne Cotter, but she never liked the name Mildred, Anne was nearly 95 years old when she passed, and survived her husband Jim by more than 30 years.  She dedicated a portion of her life to teaching and guiding young minds, with a career that spanned nearly two decades. 

Anne was raised in La Grange, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) until the age of 12.  Her father Anthony was a registered nurse and worked for the Chicago Bears football team as the "Team Doctor".  In 1941 Anne's parents Anthony and Esther packed up their car and made a journey across route 66 to Long Beach, California where she attended Poly High School.

Her academic pursuits were significant, as she earned an Associate of Arts degree at Long Beach City College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree at California State University at Santa Barbara. These achievements reflected her commitment to education, both for herself and for those she taught.

Anne graduated from college in 1951 and in September that year eloped to Las Vegas with her newlywed husband Jim Ranck. They moved into a new house where Anne would live the rest of her life in November of 1954, and had their first child Robert on May 4th,1955, and David on May 8th,1957.

Anne's teaching journey began in 1961, where she inspired countless children and nurtured their spirits. She continued to serve as a substitute teacher from 1969 until her retirement in 1988.

In 1963 Anne purchased a Bible from the Broadway Department Store and began reading the New Testament. Being led by the Holy Spirit alone she found the truth in what she was reading and received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, on the floor of her Living Room. Over the next couple of years she had the privilege of leading her husband Jim to the Lord also. Among her many accomplishments, Anne taught children lessons from the Bible in Good News Clubs and in Release Time. She also founded a Widows' Bible study/Support group, offering solace and guidance to those navigating similar paths in life. Her commitment to helping others will forever be remembered by those she touched.

Beyond her professional life, Anne was known for her vibrant spirit and numerous interests. She had a passion for fashion and loved her collection of clothes.  Anne also took up running in her late 50's and ran the Los Angeles Marathon twice when she was 61 and 63 years old. She finished the last one in 4 hours and 40 minutes.  She created many lasting memories traveling the country with her husband Jim in their motor home, as well as exploring the wonders of Europe and Israel. A devoted follower of her Christian faith, she enjoyed reading the Bible and listening to sermons by renowned figures such as Billy Graham, Charles Stanley, and more recently Jack Hibbs.

Anne is survived by her loving family, including her sons Robert and David, daughter-in-law Neisy, daughter-in-law Ruth, and grandson Jeronimo as well as her cousin Linda and other cousins families around the country as well as Brother's children Kimberly and Scott. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Anne's life at a funeral service on August 26, 2024, at 2:30 PM at the Forest Lawn - Covina Hills - Memory Chapel, located at 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA 91724.