Donald "Rocky" Fayette Ranney was born October 30, 1930 in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Fayette "Rusty" Carlton and Mary "Edna" (Legg) Ranney. He was baptized and confirmed at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson, MN. Rocky grew up on the family farm south of Benson. He attended school at District #95, Benson High School and Morris Agriculture. On June 16, 1962, Rocky was united in marriage to Dorothy Mae Fries at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson. They were blessed with four children and more than 34 years of marriage.Rocky farmed or worked on a farm until he was in his 70's. He drove milk truck for 27 years before retiring in 1995. He then worked for Vernon Ashburn driving tractor until his cancer surgery in 2002. He then moved to Warroad to live with his son, Fred. Among the things he enjoyed were hunting, fishing, puzzles, reading, bowling and playing cards. Rocky was called from this life on March 21, 2012 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. He attained the age of 81 years, 4 months and 21 days. Rocky is survived by his children: Fred Ranney of Warroad, Lynn (Dale) Westover of Warroad, Thomas Ranney of Benson; son-in-law, John (DeeAnn) Miller of Herman; his grandchildren: Melissa (James) Colliflower, Jason Westover, Ruby (Aaron) Dotson, Charity Ranney, Deidre Ranney, Daniel Miller, Brian Miller, and Andrew Miller; great-grandchildren: Emma Morrison Colliflower, Ellizabeth Colliflower, Kyndra Dotson, Blake Dotson, Logan Dotson, Daisy Torres, and Charlie Torres; his sisters: Helen (Jay) Hatch of Port Orchard, WA, Ann Nelson of St. Louis Park, MN; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife, Dorothy; his parents, Rusty and Edna; daughter, Julie Miller; brother-in-laws, John Nelson and Richard Fries; sister-in-law, Jane Fries, and father-in-law Henry Fries.
