Kerwin Ralph Ranson

K.R. (Chib) Ranson, 91, of Glade Hill, Va., and formerly of St. Albans, W.Va., died on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Chib was born on June 28, 1919, to the late Otis K. Ranson and Marvella Leach Ranson. He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Aileen Cunningham Ranson; brother, Jack; and sisters, Francis Stephens, Marguerite Wood Draper and Electa Jones. He is survived by a brother, Kenton (Doc); a sister, Evelyn McClure (Buford); his sons, Ralph (Belva) of Cross Lanes, W.Va., Don (Karen) of Rocky Mount, Va., and Michael (Suzanne) of Roanoke, Va.; his daughter, Connie Ranson, of Farmington, Pa.; six grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren; and very special friends, Gary and Betty Hatfield, and Luther and Rose Scott. During the 1950s and 1960s Chib was instrumental in the construction of three youth baseball fields in St. Albans. It was a labor of love, providing him with great joy watching kids benefit from his efforts. He was also an accomplished wood worker, providing beautiful wooden treasures to his family and friends. After retiring from Union Carbide's Tech Center in South Charleston, W.Va., he and Aileen moved to Glade Hill, Va., where he worked with the Franklin County School System. He was a former member of Saint Andrews United Methodist Church in St. Albans, W.Va., and was a member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church. Memorial Service will be conducted 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2011, from Flora Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John Plummer officiating. His family requests in lieu of flowers or food, donations may be made to Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 35 North Main Street, Rocky Mount, Va. 24151 or to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018. His family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount, Va., 540-483-3835.