John Hurth Raney

John Hurth Raney, 81, of Anthem, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home on October 27, 2025. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His presence will be deeply missed even as we rejoice that he is home with Jesus.

John was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 9, 1943, to Richard and Mary Raney. He grew up in Shorewood as the youngest of three, surrounded by family, friends, and cousins. He received his Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin, Madison and his medical degree from Marquette School of Medicine. John also honorably served in the Army Reserves and earned the rank of captain. John completed his medical education with his psychiatric residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, where he moved his family to enjoy the warmth and “wonderful weather” of Arizona.

Throughout his career, John cared for people struggling with mental illness in many settings. Highlights included medical missionary work in Alaska, case management with DES, treating adolescents and adults at Remuda Ranch, serving as a psychiatrist in the federal prison, and working as a forensic psychiatrist evaluating defendants and providing expert testimony.

He was, in his wife’s words, “the kindest man I ever met.” Throughout 55 years of marriage, he gave sacrificially and lived each day with patience, calm, and kindness. As a father, he guided

his children in Christian principles and was proud of each one of them. He was also a loving grandfather to five grandchildren. His love of travel brought his family trips up north, the beach, cross-country adventures, journeys abroad, and days boating on the water he loved.

John treasured friendships—from lifelong childhood bonds and colleagues to his men’s prayer group of over 25 years and his church community. He found joy in connecting with others, often

suggesting activities in the state he loved so well. His love for others, gentle strength, and generous heart will be forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.

He devoted himself to researching medical and scientific evidence supporting Biblical truth, uniting faith and knowledge to strengthen others’ beliefs and guide their choices. Through this work, he sought to help people understand God’s loving design and live in harmony with His truth. The desire of his life was to hear God say, “Very well done, my good and faithful servant.”

He is survived by his wife, Karen Raney; daughter Elizabeth Baker (Robert); son Mark Raney (Sharran); daughter Carolyn Mason (Matthew); grandchildren Abbi, Braeden, Aubrey, William, and Hannah; and siblings Mary McFadden and Richard Raney.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Desert View Bible Church on January 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. The family invites all who would like to honor his legacy to join them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s honor to The Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com/donate/) or to Where Hope Lives (https://wherehopelives.org/donate).

The family deeply appreciates your love and support.