Joanne Hayes Ranft

Joanne Hayes Ranft passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2026, at the age of 79. She was surrounded by all her children and grandchildren. She bravely and fiercely fought cancer for 30 years and is leaving behind a legacy of strength, tenacity, decency, and unwavering love. Joanne was raised in a humble and loving home, centered around family and the Catholic Church. She was born to John Wilbur Hayes and Mary Ellen Hayes (Evans) on February 5, 1947. She was the second of four children.

Joanne married the love of her life, John M. Ranft, and they were married for 42 years. They made incredibly welcoming and loving homes in Bexley and German Village, Ohio.

Joanne is survived by her children John Ranft Jr. (Julie Kuhn) of Columbus, Ohio, Eron Ranft (Cara) of Bexley, Ohio, Kimberly Ranft of Bexley, Ohio; her grandchildren: Ridley, Lila, and Huck; and her brother John Robert Hayes (Kim) of Guernsey, Ohio, her sister Patricia Suver (Kenton) of Johnstown, Ohio, and her brother Joseph Hayes (Peggy) of Gahanna, Ohio.

Growing up on the Eastside of Columbus, Joanne was a proud graduate of the Hartley High School Class of 1965 and went on to attend The Ohio State University. She dedicated her professional career in Medical Real Estate Development to both Mount Carmel (Trinity Health) and Ohio State University Medical Building systems. In her career, Joanne displayed her unrelenting drive, commitment, and intellect as she fought to push the glass ceiling in a male-dominated profession. She was truly a pioneer for women in her field.

She was very active in every community she lived in; she treasured her time as an employee, volunteer, and advocate of both The Childhood League Center and the TWIG Bazaar, which were very important to her. She was a force as the only woman Bexley City Council member of her time and participated on numerous school and community boards and services. As a resident of German Village, she was an active member of the German Village Society, and she loved having her home featured several times on the House & Garden tour, as she was very proud of her beautiful and meticulous garden.

Joanne put family above all else. Nothing brought her more joy than cheering on her children and grandchildren at sporting events and celebrating birthdays, holidays, and special occasions with her family. She started most of the family traditions that are present in our family, at every event. Most of these traditions, if not all, included amazing food, champagne, laughter and storytelling. She was the ultimate cook and hostess as she consistently outdid herself with her need to make everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. Her door was always open to anyone in need. She would feed you, listen to you, pour you a drink, and then send you on your way, always feeling better than when you walked in.

She valued education and was a life-long learner through reading and traveling. She was fortunate enough to build a wealth of amazing memories and keepsakes through traveling the world with friends and family. She always returned home and loved to gather her family to tell of what she saw and learned.

Joanne had some of the closest and dearest friends anyone could ask for, and her life was more complete because of them. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Joanne's bridge groups, travel companions, and lifelong friends who helped her live a life full of adventure and laughter. A special thank you to Dr. Sardesai and his medical team at the James Cancer Hospital for his truly gentle and caring way of taking care of her throughout her journey. The family would also like to thank all of the wonderful staff at The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center; everyone at that facility helped her through every tough infusion and made her comfortable. The family is also deeply thankful for her devoted friend since preschool, Mary Anne, who never left her side.

There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Catharine Church, 500 South Gould Rd., Bexley, Ohio, 43209 on February 28th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, Ohio, 43212.