The fabric of Ranell’s life was woven with shining threads of faith, love, family, friends, creativity and flair. She was an elegant woman with extraordinary talents, and her life enriched her family, their friends and our community in a myriad of inspiring ways.
Ranell, the only daughter and first child of Jo (Goldsmith) and Herschel Bules was born January 18, 1947 and proudly called Enid her “hometown”. After graduating from Enid High School, Ranell attended Oklahoma State University and earned a BS in Fashion Merchandising. She was initiated in Kappa Alpha Theta in 1966 and found both lifelong friends and a lifelong love of her sorority there. Most significantly, Ranell met her perfect other half on a reluctant blind date and married Steve Brown on May 24, 1969. She and Steve established their home and life together in Oklahoma City.
Ranell was the paragon of philanthropic community volunteers. She worked tirelessly and gave generously to many organizations. Ranell was a coordinator and first president of the Heritage Hall School Patrons Association and helped develop their endowment fund. She was a founding member of the Oklahoma Breast Cancer Project and the Mercy Women’s Center Board. Ranell was involved in and chaired many committees of the Oklahoma City Spring Arts Festival. She was an active member of the Million Dollar Babes Investment Club and the Weeders and Seeders Garden Club as well as the Oklahoma Art League. Ranell was president and devoted member of Chapter CK of PEO and a member of Nichols Hills Methodist Church and Crossings Community Church. She was also a sustaining member of the Junior League of Oklahoma City, editing and producing their cookbook, Superlatives. Ranell was a long time financial advisor to both the Junior League and the O.U. Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. She was named by O.U. Panhellenic as Outstanding Alumna Advisor. She was president of the Oklahoma City Alumnae chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta as well as its Woman of the Year. Her extraordinary voluntarism was criteria for her selection as a member of Class XX of Leadership Oklahoma, and she chaired their statewide Leadership Conference in 2007.
Ranell’s God given gifts were many and manifested themselves by both her community participation and in many deep friendships. Her fabulous gift of hospitality was given whole-heartedly and lovingly. No friendship was ever neglected, and every joy of her friends was honored by a wedding shower, birthday party or special gift. And, when Ranell planned a party or an event, no detail was overlooked. Her gift for homemaking and love of the handmade led her to host bi-monthly gatherings of friends known as the Crafty Crafters. She was their teacher, inspiration and friend for over 25 years.
Ranell was inspired by her family and will be greatly missed by her beloved husband, Steve and her two adored children, Matt and wife Kristen of Oklahoma City, and daughter, Meredith Brown Wrighton and husband Rand,of Dallas, Texas. She is survived by her Mom, Jo Bules Savoie of Enid and her precious grandchildren, Bella and Micah Brown who will miss their “Lulu” enormously. She is also survived by her brothers, David and Greg and wife Becky also of Enid as well as Steve’s parents, Virginia and Barney Brown and his sister and brother in law, Becky and Brad Johnston, all of Oklahoma City. Ranell was a treasured aunt to nieces, Allison Bules Williams, Megan Johnston Barron and Rachael Johnston Glomset and nephews, Todd Bules, Jason Bules and Ryan Johnston and their families. Countless friends will also miss her wonderful “Hi, Dear” greeting and lavish attention.
A Celebration of Ranell’s Life will be held at Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, Thursday, December 23 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heritage Hall School 1800 N.W. 122 Street Oklahoma City 73120; Jim Riley Outreach, Inc. 2201 Cardinal Drive Edmond 73013 or the charity of your choice.
I Corinthians 13 1-13
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