William Francis 'Bill' Raney Sr., 83, passed away in Glendale on July 16, 2008. He was born in Washington, Indiana, on December 17, 1924. He was the oldest son of ten born to Ethel and Leo Raney. The family arrived in Arizona on Christmas Eve 1935. Bill attended Saint Francis Xavier Elementary School in Phoenix and Glendale Union High School. Bill married Beverlie, the love of his life, on August 8, 1950. Bill served in the Army in 1944 and in the Air Force from 1950 to 1952. He was discharged after his father's death to run their family ranch. Bill was a longtime rancher and dairyman in Glendale where he raised 6 children with his wife, Beverlie. Their family, as it continues to grow, was the most important and joyous part of Bill's life. Sharing stories of his life with his family and friends always brought a smile to his face and those around him. His heart was big, he loved taking care of his family and he will always be remembered for having fun. He loved playing his favorite card game "Pitch" with his family, friends and grand children. He never met a horse he could not ride or a stranger he did not like. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverlie; 3 sons William 'Bill' Raney Jr (Pam), James Raney (MaryAnn) and Leo Raney; 3 daughters, Crista Mackin (Gary), Nancy Anderson (Ladale) and Theresa Trusler (Dale); 1 brother Robert Raney (Peggy); 5 sisters, Rosemarie Dicob (Gilbert), Virginia Newcomb, Faye Orsbun (Richard), Lois McBride (James), Betty Runyan (Jim); 16 grand children Jobrina, Cody, Matt, Michael, Patrick, Sarah A, Amy, Shane, Stephanie, Travis, Amanda, Dustin, Sarah C, Nick, Billy and Jonathan; 30 nieces and nephews; and 3 great-grand children Ashley, Raney and Aiden. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leo Raney Jr., and his sisters Ann Marie Love and Gracie Myrtle Raney. Sunday, July 20, a visitation will be from 6pm to 7pm followed by a Rosary at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary at 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix. Monday, July 21, a funeral mass will be celebrated at 10am at St. Helen's Catholic Church at 5510 West Cholla, Glendale, followed by burial at 12:30pm at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 23029 N Cave Creek, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be sent to Catholic Charities at 4747 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix 85013.
Published in The Arizona Republic 7/19/2008