Alma Josephine CANIZARO

12 JUN 1932 - 27 FEB 1921

• BIRTH: 12 JUN 1932, Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi
• DEATH: 27 FEB 1921, Niles, Berrien, MI

INDEX

[N27976] Alma Josephine Ranft
June 12, 1932 - Feb. 27, 2021

NILES, MI - Alma Josephine Ranft, 88, died February 27, 2021 in Virginia at her daughter's home surrounded by family. She was born June 12, 1932 in Vicksburg, MS, the daughter of Vincent and Mary Canizaro. It was there where she met the love of her life, Robert Ranft who was serving with the U.S. Coast Guard. They married and moved to Michigan where she experienced snow for the first time. She was a loving stay-at-home Mom until her children reached school age. Her passions included cooking, sewing, and gardening when she wasn't working. Alma retired from Simplicity Pattern Company as a Quality Inspector and then volunteered over 20 years at the Christian Service Food Bank at St Mary's Catholic Church. Her greatest love was her children, and she was the happiest cooking and sewing for them as well as her grandchildren . A few years back she found knitting and started knitting hats for everyone at Christmas ... four years in a row you knew what you were going to get. Alma was a selfless person, one who endured a lot and persevered despite the many obstacles that she had to overcome. It was the love she carried in her heart for family and friends that fulfilled her the most. The legacy that she leaves behind with us includes facing each day with a warm heart and generous hand, remembering the love that God shows us each and every day, and always extending it to others. Alma will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind, fun, loving, caring, supportive, generous, spunky, Christian woman, Mom and Mamaw to so many others, and a best friend. Alma was predeceased by her daughters, Mary Helen and Mary George (twin infants), and Michelle Lundy; and her husband, Robert Ranft. She leaves behind her children, Rene Ranft Beffel (Paul), Rebecca Ranft Chidester (Earl), Paul Ranft (Peggy), and David Ranft (Kathy), eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A Funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 11 AM at St Mary's Catholic Church. Donations may be made in her name to the St Marys Parish Christian Services, 322 Clay Street, Niles, MI 49120. Published in South Bend Tribune on Mar. 10, 2021.