Rena (Lib) Elizabeth Rannick

Rena Elizabeth (Lib) Rannick, 94, passed on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, and is now in heaven with Jesus. She was cheerful and sweet, with her winning smile and a kind word for everyone she met. Born February 14, 1924, in West Point, Mississippi, Lib was raised by Thomas and Pearl Bland, both now deceased. Lib is also preceded in death by her youngest son, Gilbert (Gibby) A Rannick, III. Lib’s family who will be celebrating her long and loving life are, Dr. Gilbert (Gil) Rannick, her husband of 73 years; her children and their spouses, Tom Rannick and David Ladd, Glenn and Kim Rannick, Susan and Charles Stafford, Ken and Aleta Rannick, and Frances and John Diehl. Lib’s wonderful family legacy also includes 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. After receiving her RN degree from The Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, Lib joined the US Army Nursing Corps as an officer in 1944. It was in the army she met and married Gil, and they later moved to Johnson City, TN in 1956. Lib worked periodically as an RN, but was very active in volunteer services her whole life. Her volunteer service areas included: Junior Service League, Various Medical Auxiliaries, Washington County Association for Retarded Citizens, and Dawn of Hope Board of Directors, just to mention a few. It was out of her love and devotion to her youngest son, Gibby, and his special needs, that Lib was a pioneer in developing programs to assist children with special needs. She established the first group home for handicapped adults in Johnson City, and was later presented the Distinguished Service Award of Tennessee from Governor Ned McWherter in 1989. Lib was a Christian, and took an active role in her church, Munsey Memorial Methodist Church. A few of her many church activities included, Munsey Service Group, United Methodist Women, and was a member of the Philosopher’s Sunday school class. A highlight of her volunteer and church service was a year’s mission trip, with Gil, where they instructed and taught the medical staffs of several hospitals in India. In her spare time Lib enjoyed golf, bridge, traveling, camping, and bible studies. The celebration of life service for Lib will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Monday, August 13 in the Sanctuary of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Patti Muse and Rev. Doug Grove- DeJarnett officiating.  Following the celebration of life service, the family will greet friends from 5 to 6:30 P.M. in the gathering room. Graveside and inurnment services with Military honors conducted by the Carter County VFW will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, August 14 at the Mountain Home National Cemetery.  Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 11:20 A.M. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Riverwood Christian Village, 3123 Pride Road, Louisville, TN 37777. Riverwood offers residential alternatives to assist its residents, who have developmental disabilities, achieve their highest level of independence. Lib’s son, Gibby, resided at Riverwood for a number of years. To make a donation or learn more about Riverwood Christian Village, go to: www.abilityministry.com Our family would like to express their heartfelt and sincere appreciation to the caregivers and staff of Corner Stone, and the nurses and staff of Ballad Hospice Care for the love and care shown to Lib and her family. May God bless you all.Read Obituary