Shirley J. Ranney

Shirley was born on March 4, 1935, in Monmouth, Illinois. She was the oldest of four daughters born to Guy and Eunice Brantingham. She attended Monmouth public schools and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1954. She married Ralph G. Ranney on December 28, 1956, and they shared 65 years of marriage until his passing on May 26, 2022. Together, they loved traveling, collecting antiques, and celebrating special occasions with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Each new greatgrandchild brought them tremendous joy and excitement.

After their marriage, Shirley and Ralph moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Ralph attended theological seminary and earned his Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Divinity degrees. After Ralph graduated, they began their ministry together. Their first church was Farmington Presbyterian Church in Farmington, Illinois, where they served from 1959 to 1963. They then served Community Presbyterian Church in Lombard, Illinois, from 1963 to 1972.

In 1972, they moved to Oklahoma, where they served First Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City until 1980. From 1980 to 2000, they served Saint Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. Shirley and Ralph continued serving together in several churches until Ralph’s death in 2022.

Shirley is survived by her children, David G. Ranney, R. Stephen Ranney, and Debra Ranney Shaw and her husband, Steve Shaw. Her grandchildren include Blake Ranney and his wife, Rachel; Rockford Ranney and his wife, Kimari; Cole Ranney and his wife, Aracelis; D. Cooper Ranney and his wife, Sydney; Stephen Marshall Ranney; Krystal Ranney Black and her husband, Mark Black; Alexa Ranney; Brant Ranney and his wife, Aylin; Baylee Wong; Derek Myers and his wife, Ruonan; Austin Myers and his fiancée, Mary LaSaxon; Parker Bingenheimer and Lilly Myers; and Brody Stewart. She is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren.

As her granddaughter, Krystal Ranney Black, wrote:

“There will never be another woman quite like Shirley. She was the best cook, the most empathetic person I’ve ever known, and the kind of woman who never met a stranger. She loved children so deeply that sometimes her heart hurt knowing she couldn’t save them all. She spent her life caring for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always giving a little more of herself to everyone around her. She was a daddy’s girl, a pastor’s wife, a performer, and a self-proclaimed "Lady Gaga". She loved George Clooney and proudly informed everyone that he was her first husband. She loved the finer things in life, and she absolutely lived for the stage. She loved to sing and dance. The funny thing is that her stage was wherever she happened to be. She would perform, say something outrageous, or do something completely unexpected simply because she wanted a reaction—and you can bet she got one. One of my favorite things about her was her love of toy shopping for the grandkids. Although, if we were being honest, we all suspected those toys were really for her. Honestly, I hope they were. She was complicated, hilarious, extravagant, generous, and deeply loving. Wildly entertaining and completely unforgettable, she didn’t enter a room—she made it hers. She was a legend in her own lifetime, and now she gets to be one forever. We hope you’re up there cooking something, shopping for toys, causing a little trouble, and telling everyone that George Clooney was your first husband. We all love you and will carry you in our hearts for the rest of our lives.”

— Krystal Ranney Black

Shirley will always be best remembered for her practical jokes and some of the most amazing baked goods.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 111, 101 East 5th Street, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034. From 5:00 to 5:30 p.m., there will be a brief time of prayer, gratitude. From 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Shirley's Life, sharing stories and memories of Shirley, along with hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic drinks.

Those wishing to send flowers or make a memorial contribution may contact the family for delivery or donation information.