Kathleen Larson Raney

Kathleen Larson Raney passed away November 19, 2015. She was born October 26, 1928 in Wamego, Kansas, daughter of Eugene and Virginia Larson. Upon graduating from high school in 1946, she attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg. Virginia and then the University of Kansas from which she received her baccalaureate in social work in 1950. While attending KU, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority, she met Dick Raney whom she married in 1952, a marriage that lasted more than 63 years.

Living her entire adult life in Lawrence, Kansas, she served on numerous boards and activities. Among her greatest joys were delivering Meals on Wheels and serving meals at the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (L.I.N.K.). She was also a runner for many years, followed by years of speed walking, and she would run or walk at least three miles per day at least five days per week.

Kakie was loved and admired by all who knew her. If one word were to describe her, friends agree that one word would be grace.

Kakie and Dick had two children, Michelle and Richard, both of whom predeceased her, Rich in 1983 and Michelle in 2006. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Richard H. Raney, her two grandsons, Jehren and Jonathan, Jonathan’s wife Fernanda, and three great grandchildren, Jehren’s daughter Amora and Jonathan’s son and daughter, Jackson Richard and Gabriela.

At her request, there will not be a formal service. Kakie’s ashes will be interred at a later date in the family plot in Pioneer Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to her favorite programs, L.I.N.K. and Meals on Wheels and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.