Jill Ann Ranft

Jill Ann Ranft, 79, of Indianapolis, passed away December 22, 2019. Jill was born in Seymour, Indiana the daughter of the late Harold and Eileen (Pferrer) Holmes. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 56 years, Harry Ranft, and a grandson, Elijah Ranft. Jill is survived by her children; Tami Howard, Matthew (Diane) Ranft, Michael Ranft, Lynn Ranft, T.J. Ranft and Derek Ranft; grandchildren, Austin and Tyler Howard (Lesley), Michaela Krahulik (Andy), Caroline and Katherine Ranft; Quinn Johnson, Chandler Sims and Annelise Sims and great-grandchild, Kamdyn Howard; brothers, Ronald and Jack Holmes. She is also survived by a wonderfully large and diverse group of friends that she and Harry, aka Hank, gathered through the years. All in her company relished her sweetness and warmth. This included many of the kid’s friends that found the Central Avenue house to be a safe second home in a storm and Mrs. Ranft’s cooking and abundant love to be just what was needed. Jill worked in the Cafeteria at Bishop Chatard High School for over 30 years and at Our Lady of Fatima for several years as well. At Bishop Chatard, Jill was a tireless and excellent cook and she loved to pass out the warm chocolate chip cookies with a smile and a knack for knowing just when a student needed a kind word or hug. She was most comfortable when serving others and that included her large family with epic Sunday dinners. Once at a dinner to honor the school staff Jill sat for a moment to accept the honor but then headed to the kitchen where the work needed to be done. The family is so grateful for the love and support and the friendship of the “lunch lady” crew at BCHS over the years in the good times and in the hard times. The family is also grateful for the excellent care Jill received from Community Hospital North and Community Heart and Vascular Center and the team at Premier Hospice & Home Health. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, 2126 E. 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 28 at 11:00 am at Christ The King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220. Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Chatard High School or Christ The King Catholic Church. Condolences may be left online at FeeneyHornakKeystone.com