KELLY JEAN (FORD) RANFT

Kelly Jean Ranft (Ford)

7/18/1963-12/21/2021

 Kelly Jean Ranft (Ford), age 58 passed away peacefully with her family by her side at home in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 after battling cancer. 

 Kelly was born July 18, 1963 in McMinnville Oregon, to Terry and Susan Ford. They soon moved to Portland, Oregon until Kelly was three years old and then to Long Beach, California for her dad’s work. In January 1968 her brother Michael joined the family and it was decided it was time to live closer to Kelly’s grandparents, Bill and Maxene Ford, so the family moved to Cascade, Idaho where Kelly began 1st grade.

 In January of 1982, after High School, Kelly met the love of her life, Bill Ranft. They were married on August 21,1982 and resided in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho where they started their life and family. Together they had three daughters: Kristi Dawn, born January 1983; Keri Ann, born August 1984 and Kylee Marie, born December 1986. One of Kelly’s favorite places was the Oregon Coast and every year the family would take vacations there. After the girls were grown, Kelly and Bill started a new tradition of spring vacations in Yuma, Arizona to visit Kelly’s parents where they were snowbirds. On one special vacation, they made a trip to St Louis for a Cardinals game and had a great time. Kelly’s passion in life was family. She was a dedicated wife and mother. She treasured her children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. 

 Kelly and Bill loved to watch their three daughters play sports. She always welcomed her daughter's friends with open arms and on any given day you could find several “extra” kids at the lunch or dinner table and they all knew where her snack drawer was.  It was a second home for many. As her children and their friends became adults, and began to have children of their own, the Ranft home began to welcome in a new generation. Kelly provided childcare for several family friends. One child in particular found a special place in Kelly’s heart.  While in daycare, Karly Wright came to know Kelly as Grandma Kelly. Kelly loved Karly as her own grandchild. Soon after Bill and Kelly welcomed their own grandchildren. Once becoming a grandma, Kelly embraced the role and had a special place in her heart for all of her grandchildren; Cory, Kyle, Kaelun, Kinzee, Kimber, Axton, Wyatt, Owen, and Kaeson. Nurturing, and helping to raise her grandchildren was a full-time labor of love for Kelly.  Traveling and cheering for them at sporting events was a favorite pastime for the whole family. Through many of life's trials Kelly was a solid rock that her family could rely on.  Kelly will be dearly missed by all - until we meet again. 

 Kelly is survived by her husband of 39 years, William (Bill) Ranft Jr.; parents, Terry and Susan Ford;  brother, Michael Ford (Joelynne); daughters, Kristi Miller (Cliff), Keri Jones (Ronnie), and Kylee Ranft; 9 grandkids, Cory Jones, Kyle Jones, Kaelun Jones, Kinzee Ranft, Kimber Jones, Axton Miller, Wyatt Lowe, Owen Miller, and Kaeson Miller; aunts Jo Hamilton, Laurie (Buster) and their son Chris Brant; In laws, Teresa Cooper (Monte), Frank Ranft, Juanita Ellis (Rick), Kate Drake (Dennis), Nancy Moreno, Robert Ranft (Jodi), and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.  She is preceded in death by grandparents, Bill and Maxene Ford, Pete and Kay Gallaher; Uncle Ray Brant; Mother-In-law, Juanita Simpson and Father-In-law, William Ranft.  

 Kelly’s family would like to thank Nurse Joe L. with Horizon Hospice, Kelly’s family, and all her friends for all their love and support.

 Services will be held Friday January 7th, 2022 at 11:00am in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho at the High School Gymnasium with graveside to follow at the Pioneer Cemetery.  A potluck to follow at the Ladies Club Hall & Legion Hall. Services are in the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel of Emmett.

 Charitable Donations can be made to Horseshoe Bend Optimist Club or Horseshoe Bend High School Athletics. 

 You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Rest In Peace. We all Love You!

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