Ellsworth and Swan’s Island
Beulah G. Ranquist, 89, formerly of Swan’s Island, died January 6, 2016 at an Ellsworth healthcare facility, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 12, 1926 on Swan’s Island, the daughter of Ernest R. and Nora E. (Billings) Withee.
Beulah grew up on Swan’s Island. When she was a teenager she traveled to Ohio to work as a caregiver for a time. When she returned to the island, she married her one true love, Ricker Ranquist on August 7, 1942. They moved to Portland when he enlisted in the Navy and she worked at the B&M Bean factory while he served our country during WWII. After Ricker’s discharge from the Navy, they moved back to Swan’s Island where they raised their family. While raising seven children, she worked in the store she and Ricker owned and she also worked with him on his lobster boat.
She was a member of the Advent Christian Church, where she was a deaconess and Sunday school teacher, a member of the WH&FMS, and the Rebekah’s. Beulah was an avid reader, loved walking in the woods, picnics and spending time with her family. She was a wonderful cook and was well known for it. After retirement she and Ricker enjoyed traveling. Beulah had a gentle and kind loving spirit. As one friend said “she was a woman of infinite patience.”
She is survived by her children, Leah and husband Ronnie Henderson of Scarborough, Linda and husband Bill Reinhardt of Hancock, Donna Donley of Scarborough, Jean Ranquist of Swan’s Island, Norene Bishop of St. George, Les and wife Rhonda Ranquist and Tim Ranquist, all of Swan’s Island; sister-in-law, Marilyn Withee; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Each and every one of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Beulah was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Ricker; sons-in-law, William Donley and Skip Thomas; granddaughter, Patricia Henderson; siblings, Ernestine, Shirley and twins, Leland and Leila.
Friends are invited to call, 11:00-12noon, Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the Advent Christian Church on Swan’s Island where funeral services will be held at 12noon with Reverend J. Max Creswell officiating. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Atlantic Baptist Church annex.
Contributions if desired may be made to the Swan’s Island Ambulance, PO Box 7, Swan’s Island, ME 04685.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com