Royal Ranger

Royal Fern (Garrison) Ranger passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the age of 84. Royal was born in Kalamazoo, MI on May 10, 1940, to Roy and Fern (Sherman) Garrison.

On June 25, 1960, Royal married the love of her life, Gene Douglas Ranger, who preceded her in death on November 4, 2023. Together they raised 4 children: Kayla (Greg) Ranger-Dean, Aaron (Dominique Johnston), Nila Lowrey and Leah (Steve) Futch. Their grandchildren were their world, and they doted over Kelsey (Andrew) Bryer, Alison and Molly Dean, Nicholas (Hannah) Ranger, Marah Ranger, Carson Lowrey, Mariah and Shayna Futch, and Cami (Andrew) Hanson.

Royal graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School where she was in the orchestra. Royal was a 5-year member of the Junior KSO. Royal was employed at the Eckrich Company early in her marriage, then she stayed at home to raise their children. Once the children were old enough Royal returned to work as a lunch lady at Portage Northern High School. Her favorite job was at Midwest Fasteners where she worked in customer service.

Royal and Gene loved to travel. Some of their more memorable trips were to Hawaii, Europe, Arizona and Alaska. They were supportive of their grandchildren’s activities, including soccer matches, baseball and lacrosse games and band concerts. 

Royal’s love of music carried on throughout her life. She and Gene would attend Nila’s choir concerts, enjoyed band concerts at the Portage band shell and Bronson Park, and they were part of the usher corps at Miller Auditorium.

Royal is preceded in death by her loving husband, Gene, son Aaron, her sisters & spouses; Lois & Don Stermer, Florence & Robert Glidden, her parents Roy & Fern Garrison, her in-laws Don & Helen Ranger, sister-in-law Joyce Brown, brothers-in-law Glen & Keith Ranger, and niece Mary Stermer VanderKley.

In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place. A public celebration will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m. with a service to follow. Royal will be interred with Gene at Mt. Everest Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra at kjso.org/donate-fundraise or the Binder Park Zoo at binderparkzoo.org/product/single-donation.

Those wishing to watch the recorded memorial service may do so by following the link below:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a24097502956996

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Royal's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Ranger family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.