Carole Ranney

Carole Ranney, 79, artist, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020. Rosary, 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 30, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Funeral Mass, 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 31, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Pauline Barkman; husband, Don. Survivors: children, Christine (Dan) Ervin of Portland, OR, Julie (Jeff) Brown of Salem, OR, Jeff (Sandy) Ranney, Nancy (Tim) Marrs all of Wichita, Scott (Lori) Ranney of Denver, CO, Jennifer Ranney of Beaverton, OR, Steven (Gina) Ranney of Springdale, AR; many grandkids and great-grandkids. Memorials established with American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 and Catholic Charities, 437 N. Topeka, Wichita, KS 67202. Carole married her husband Don in 1958 at All Saints Catholic Church. Together, through a lot of prayer, they raised seven ornery children she lovingly referred to as ‘the seven little shits’. Carole considered this her greatest accomplishment. She had an adventurous soul, loved to travel, loved her art, and loved God. Carole let her deep faith be her compass all throughout her life. In 1978, Carole enrolled the last of her seven children in kindergarten and took her first art class. She truly excelled in art and especially in sharing her passion for art. Carole opened her own studio teaching both adults and children, including her grandchildren. She never went anywhere without a sketch pad, pens, and a mini watercolor set. Carole said, “Art, in all its forms, nourishes the Human Spirit. I paint because I need to feed my own soul. I teach because sharing my knowledge with others is my way of sharing the “Feast”. Carole worked in several mediums; watercolor, pastel, and acrylic. She loved Kansas and traveled the state looking for inspiration. Carole said, “I love Kansas landscapes, our beautiful skies, the abundance of flowers and foliage, our homes and the people who live in them. I paint, sculpt and write about things that capture my attention and speak to my heart.” Carole sculpted in various types of clay. In addition to her art work, she has written award winning poetry, volunteered her time to the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, teaching arts and crafts at Holy Family Summer Camp for six years and has designed pewter sculpture as a fund raiser for Anthony Family Shelter. The pewters are signed and numbered “limited edition” with all proceeds going directly to the shelter. Since her first exhibit in 1982, Carole won over 40 awards for her paintings. Her work has appeared across the country including the National Academy of Science in Washington, D.C. Aside from all the awards and accomplishments, what she treasured most was her family. In December of 2018, Carole was diagnosed with cancer. Her strong faith in God carried her through the struggles and trials of the medical treatments. She was determined to continue living, trusting in God to guide her, and travel as much as possible. In the Fall of 2019, she was able to make her way to the California Redwoods before the cancer returned. While there are many sights Carole still longed to see, where she longed to travel most was Homeward to Heaven. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Don, and her God. For the seven of us who were raised by her, and all those who loved and knew her, we have been blessed!