Ray R. Ranta

RANTA Ray R., 80, Lexington, husband of Katheryn Marie Ranta, died Thu, Jan. 4, 2007 at St. Joseph Hospital. Born in Brantwood, WI, he was the son of the late Thomas R. and Juliana Gustafson Ranta. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Marie Ranta. Survivors other than his wife are his children: Kirk Ray Ranta (Carol), Brad Cary Ranta , Janel Ann Watkins (Charles), J. Franklin Chipman (Dorota), Mary Jo Kahn (Richard), a sister, Ethlyn Deo, and seven grandchildren: Stephanie Watkins, Lori Watkins, Nicole Kahn, Julia Kahn, Lili Chipman, Brett Gray and Kendra Gray Wilder. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was a Navy veteran of WWII, a member of First United Methodist Church, Epsilon Sigma Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta, the Downtown Christian Unity Task Force and an emeritus member of Lexington Singers. He received his BS in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wisconsin, his Masters of Science in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University and his Ph. D. from the University of Wisconsin in Cooperative Extension Administration. His Extension career began in 1951 as a County 4-H Agent for Lenawee County, MI. In 1954, he became the Assistant State 4-H Club Leader in East Lansing, Michigan. In 1955, he became the Associate District Extension Supervisor and later 4-H District Extension Supervisor. In 1962, he transferred to Kentucky as Chairman of the 4-H Extension Program. From 1969 until his retirement in Oct 1990, he was the Director of Extension Personnel for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Recently, he and his wife Katheryn were honored by the National Council of Churches for their commitment to ecumenical outreach. A memorial service will be held at 4 pm Mon, First United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Paul Brunstetter, Rev. W.R. Jennings, Rev Debbie Wallace-Padgett, and Rev. Jean Hawxhurst. The family will receive friends at the church on Mon after 2 pm until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the KY 4-H Foundation, or The First United Methodist Church Choir. W.R. Milward Mortuary-Broadway is in charge of arrangements. www.milwardfuneral.com