Great-grandfather, prolific, award-winning artist

Earl Ranney died May 12 at the age of 97.

The second oldest of five boys, he was born October 8, 1925 in San Bernardino, California, to Lester and Edna Ranney. The family moved to Pomona in 1930. He graduated from Emerson Jr. High and Pomona High School and attended Pomona Junior College, majoring in drama. He met his future wife, Genevieve Reeder, in drama class. He served for two and-a-half years in World War II in the 69th Infantry Division, Company M, 273rd regiment.

Upon his return from the European theater, “Genne” and Earl were married in 1947, a union that lasted 67 years. They had three children, Robyn, Donna, and Raymond. “Earl was kind, gentle, fun loving and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather,” his family shared.

He worked in administration at Kaiser Steel Mill in Fontana from 1951 to 1983. He was a prolific artist and wood craftsman, painting landscapes and portraits, and creating wooden rocking horses and toys. He also enjoyed hand dyeing Pysanky eggs, carving intricate designs in ostrich eggs, and molding clay busts of his grandchildren and various people. He was a member of the Pomona Valley Art Association, and he won numerous awards at the Los Angeles County Fair for his wood creations. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed gardening.

He will be remembered fondly by his daughters Robyn (Gary) Cronan and Donna (Greg) Standlea; grandchildren Christa (Tony) Maldonado, Janelle Cronan, Nicholas (Jessica) Standlea, Jesse (Wanwimon) Standlea, Justin (Kyle) Ranney, and Adam (Emily) Ranney; great-grandchildren Nolan, Dylan, Isabella, Jack, Michael, and Alexander; and his younger brother Donald Ranney.

He was predeceased by his bride Genevieve; son Raymond; and brothers Ross, Dale, and Doug.

The family will gather this summer for a private celebration of his life.