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Ranae Bliss Obituary
She was born in Augusta on June 1, 1952, the daughter of Lloyd and Flora Imogene Smart.
She attended local schools and graduated from Hall-Dale High School.
Ranae was employed as a payroll technician by the state Department of Human Services for almost 30 years. Her customers loved her and fellow workers admired her for her incredible wit, which kept things lively and was enjoyed by all during her tenure there. She had a big heart and, if ever anyone was in need, Ranae was right there to help. She was a courageous and spirited person, never complaining over the years about her illness and its increasing disability.
Ranae's family would like to express their gratitude to all the staff at MaineGeneral Medical Center's Critical Care Unit for their loving and tender care during her time there, and to Dr. James Brassard for his devoted care for her over the years. Ranae was predeceased by her parents.
She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Dale F. Bliss, of Readfield. She also leaves her two sons and their wives, Zachary Bliss and Daniell of Portland, Ore., and Adam Bliss and Jennifer of Westbrook. Other family survivors include her four sisters, Linda Gay and husband Fred, of Hallowell, Marcia Smart of West Gardiner, Lisa Smart of Litchfield, and Angela Burgess and husband, Andrew, of Windsor; sisters-in-law Susan Mahoney and husband, John, of Lakewood, Colo., and Amy Farrell and husband Robert, of Woodstock, Ga.; and her in-laws, Catherine and Fred Bliss of Readfield. She also leaves 15 nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1 Church St., Augusta. A celebration of Ranae's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Torsey Memorial Church, with the Rev. Karen Munson officiating. Burial will follow at Kents Hill Cemetery, located directly across the street from the church.
If desired, donations may be made to the Maine Lung Association, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330; or to the charity of one's choice.
http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ranae Bliss
Jeannine Spears
September 11, 2020
I still think of Ranae often. She was an amazing person with a huge heart and she had a way of making even the most boring things fun. During my pregnancy, she bugged me daily to name my second child after her and for whatever reason, I conceded and named my daughter Hannah Ranae. She got a kick out of that and to this day, I swear that my daughter Hannah has a piece of Ranae's sense of humor. May you rest in peace Ranae, I miss you!
Jean MacLeod
September 12, 2006
Dale, Zack and Adam; During this difficult time I wanted you all to know that if there is anything I can do to help out or just to listen please let me know. Ranae was my best freind since we were 7 years old and there is not enough space here to tell of the many memories that have flooded me since her passing. May your memories help you during this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you. Love Jean
Emily Charlton, Employee Health and Benefits
September 8, 2006
Ranae was one of the DHHS personnel contacts I spoke with often concerning employee benefits and payroll. She was always caring and concerned about the people she represented. I will miss her cheerful voice and sense of humor.
Dale, please let me know if I can help in any way.
Anna Curtis
September 8, 2006
To Ranae's family, I knew Ranae through our work. She was always helpful and had such a sense of humor. How she loved tomatoes. She would start asking me in Dec. if my tomatoes were ready to sell yet. She will be greatly missed by everyone. You will be in my prayers.
Lynn Hadyniak
September 7, 2006
I started at DHS almost 6 years ago, and remember clearly my first interaction with Ranae. She was in the office next to mine, talking with our co-worker Irene Ouellette, and believe it or not I actually let loose with a "swear". Although ever-so-quiet (or at least I had tried to be!), apparently I had been loud enough for Ranae's eagle-ears to hear me. (It was a mild "swear"--I am a State employee, after all, and we don't usually swear (!!))--
She came right into my office--didn't know me from the next person--and said something like: "I am deeply offended by what you just said." I couldn't do much at first but look at her--speechless.
She was absolutely straight-faced when she said it, and kept that poker face until she turned around to leave. Then she couldn't help but giggle.
I knew right then that she was someone who was going to make my new job a lot of fun, and she did.
I enjoyed talking with Ranae--both seriously and not--for every day of the past 6 years.
I have missed her every day since she went into the hospital, and I will miss her more now that I have no choice but to believe that she is really gone.
Joanne and Paul Fournier
September 7, 2006
Dear Dale,
We are so very sorry to hear of Ranae's passing. You have been through the fire for sure - and we are thinking of you. Whatever we can do in the coming days to lend a hand - please let us know.
Much love,
Rhonda Surette
September 7, 2006
It was always fun talking with Ranae, you never knew what she would say. I will miss her sense of humor, what a wonderful lady.
Darlene Smith
September 7, 2006
Dale and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you! Ranae's caring and compassion for others was always apparent...but never complained about her own health! She was a wonderful person. I loved her sense of humor...she would always make me laugh. I enjoyed meeting her at Weight Watchers meetings years ago...sometimes we would stay at the meeting and gab, pretending to listen to the leader. Other times, we would skip the meeting and go for a walk and gab. Any time spent with Ranae was interesting! Enjoy and cherish all your wonderful memories of her....I know I will!
SUSIE PORTER
September 6, 2006
Dale...Sometimes there are patients and families that become very special to us. Ranae, yourself, and your family found a place in our hearts during your time with us. Ranae was very fortunate to be so loved by all of you. May that love, along with memories, help you along the road to healing. We will never forget her.
With deepest sympathy,
Susie Porter,RN
CCU
John and Carol Boynton
September 6, 2006
John and I met Ranae and her family many years ago, while playing T-Ball and Farm League.
I changed jobs a few years ago, and an old familiar face was there, Ranae and I would chat occasionally about work and our families. Her love for life and love for her family always shined through even on the cloudiest of days.
Ranae will be missed my many, and may you and your families find peace at this time.
Darlene B
September 6, 2006
Ranae..
May the four winds blow you safely home...
God Bless, you will be missed.
Eileen Barth
September 6, 2006
Dale, Zack, and Adam I was shocked to hear the news of Ranae's passing. She was such a great person and our memories of the her at the ice arena will always be in our hearts. May you all feel comfort in your hearts knowing that others care. The Barth's of Winthrop Me and Los Gatos CA
CARLA CLANCY
September 6, 2006
DALE AND FAMILY
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THE LOSS OF LOVED ONE. WE WILL MISS HER SENSE OF HUMOR AND SHE IS SO WONDERFUL PERSON. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
CARLA M CLANCY
Jeannine Spears
September 6, 2006
Ranae was a great person and a true friend. She touched many lives and made this world a better place with her quick wit and charm. She will be sadly missed and will never be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Christine Kenfield
September 6, 2006
To Ranae's family, my sincere condolences for your loss.
She was a good person and I'm glad I knew her. She loved to tease, and pretended to be bothered if I had to ask her about my paycheck.
I'll always remember the day that I received a paycheck for $30,000.00 and how Ranae had to do some quick phone calling to fix it! We laughed about it for many years.
Mary Butman
September 6, 2006
I have worked with Ranae for almost 15 years, the first 5 of which were mostly through phone contact. She started right from the beginning cracking jokes about my Connecticut 'accent'and it was just so much fun to talk with her. Once I transferred to the Augusta area and got to know Ranae better, she never failed to ask me how my family was doing and I never heard her complain about not feeling well herself. She seemed to be more concerned about the people around her and making them laugh. I will greatly miss her, she was a wonderful person.
Katie Mahoney House
September 6, 2006
My deepest sympathy to your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicky Allen
September 6, 2006
My thoughts & prayers are with you all. I had the pleasure of working with Ranae when I was a payroll contact in our office. I always enjoyed her sense of humor.
Brenda Vigue
September 6, 2006
My thoughts are prayers are with your family. Ranae was a great person. I enjoyed working with her and was glad she was part of my life. I will miss her.
Mary Colson
September 6, 2006
Ranae will be greatly missed by all. She was a wonderful person and friend. Ranae made each day a little brighter for us all.
Judy Raymond
September 6, 2006
Ranae,
The space you leave behind can never be filled. You were one of a kind, all that may have been so lucky enough to meet you would never forget.
Love you bunches
Dale and family,
My heart goes out to you. Time, Family, Friends and Love will get you through these trying days.
Love you
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