Obituary of Alice Bernadette RANKS (nee Laplante)

January 21, 1930 – Vimy, Alberta
March 13, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Alice Bernadette Ranks, beloved wife of the late Delbert Ranks, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the age of 91 years. 

The eldest of eight children, Alice was born in Vimy, AB, to parents Emile and Therese Laplante. She is survived by her sister, Rita Frost, and brother Joe Laplante (Jeannine). She was predeceased by her parents, two sisters, Annette and Cecile; and three brothers, Richard, Roger, and Albert.

Alice completed her nursing training at the Edmonton General Hospital and was a very proud member of the nursing class of 1952; she attended reunions of her nursing school for many years. She was a skilled and compassionate registered nurse who worked for the Grace Hospital and the Dalbrent Medical Clinic. Alice worked as a Nurse from graduation until her retirement in 1991.

Alice met Del Ranks in Ponoka and they married in November 1955 in Edmonton. They raised five children, Michelle (Pat Lynch), Therese (deceased 2012), Marc (Judi), Dennis (Lisa Swan), and Carol (Blake Colborne). The family moved to Calgary in 1969, sadly Del passed away in 1973.

Alice was a dedicated mother. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role of grandmother and took great pride in the accomplishments of her seven grandchildren, Denis Lambert (Miles Sternfeld), Paul Lambert (Sonia Lebofsky), Alison Lambert, Nicolette Miller (Christopher), Lindsey Ranks (James Kendrick), Scott Ranks, Jillian Ranks; and her only great-grandchild, Telesfor Lambert.

Alice had a vivacious personality and made friends everywhere she went. She enjoyed any opportunity to play bridge and socialized with many different bridge groups. Alice loved music, playing the piano, and singing for many years with the St. Luke's Church Choir. She was proud of her French Canadian heritage. She was a talented knitter and welcomed all new babies of family and friends with one of her baby blankets. Her kindness, generosity and love always made those around her feel special. She will be profoundly missed and we will cherish our memories of her forever.

Alice was an extraordinary woman and had a life well lived. She was a strong woman who was committed to her family and led by example.

We take great comfort in knowing that Alice has been freed from the grip of Parkinson Disease after over thirty years. 

God saw you were getting tired
When a cure was not to be
He closed his arms around you
And whispered “Come to me.”
In tears we saw you sinking 
We watched you fade away
Our hearts were almost broken
You fought so hard to stay
But when we saw you sleeping
So peacefully, free from pain
We should not wish you back to suffer that again
So treasure her, Lord, in your garden of rest.
For here on earth, she was the best!

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.  Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Forward Housing Association www.forwardhousing.ca. 

The family would like to thank Dr. J. Sarna, Dr. Barb Smith, and the hard working angels at Bow View Manor.

In living memory of Alice Ranks, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.