Kathleen Ranney

Kathleen Ranney, 78, of Mifflinburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 17, 2023, in Lewisburg, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Kathy was born on June 25, 1945, in the picturesque town of Sleepy Hollow, NY, to the late Sam and Peggy Gilchrist. On December 23, 1967, Kathy married the love of her life, Jim Ranney, and their love story became eternal.

Kathy was a proud graduate of Irvington High School and Hanover College. Kathy continued to pursue her passion for education, earning her master's degree at SUNY Albany. Her thirst for knowledge and her compassion for the needs of those less fortunate was truly inspiring. Throughout her career, Kathleen worked tirelessly as a dedicated special education teacher, touching the lives of many with her unwavering commitment to her profession. Her dedication and hard work continued until her well-deserved retirement.

In her free time, Kathy enjoyed community service that allowed her to pursue her passions and connect with those around her. Kathy was the President of the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, Preservation Mifflinburg, and the Kiwanis Club and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Kathy with her husband, Jim, was recognized for her commitment to her community. Every St. Patrick's Day, Kathy and Jim opened their house to the community to enjoy a home-cooked breakfast.

Kathy's memory lives on through her loving family. Kathy is survived by her husband, Jim, her children and their spouses, Parker and Tamara Ranney, Sarah Ranney, and Colleen and Chris Ostrowski, as well as her sister, Joanna Northup. Kathy's love will be ever felt by her grandchildren, Sasha and Yuri Ranney, Hannah Smith and her fiancé Austin Krahel, and Anelise and Ronan Ostrowski, and her great grandsons, Avery and Zaiden Krahel.

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved father, Sam Gilchrist, her adoring mother, Peggy Gilchrist, and her cherished brother-in-law, Mel Northup.

Family and friends are welcome from 9:30 to 11 a.m., on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Road, Mifflinburg, where a celebration of Kathy's remarkable life will be conducted at 11, with Rev. Douglas Orbaker, officiating. The family kindly invites everyone to pay tribute to Kathy's Irish heritage by wearing the color green. Following the viewing and celebration of life there will be a time of fellowship with family and friends in true Irish tradition with light refreshments served.

At a later date, with her immediate family, Kathy will be laid to rest in the beautiful Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in New York, a place she held close to her heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Kathy's name to Alzheimer's Association, a cause that was near and dear to her and the family.

Kathy's life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and cherished moments. Her warm smile and kind heart will forever be remembered, and her legacy of love will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. Kathy will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved her and the community she so dearly loved.

Leave condolences and memories online at www.rouppfuneralhome.com.