Worcester - Barbara R. (Wall) Ranta, 88, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2010, at the Odd Fellows Home. She leaves her beloved husband of 57 years, Raymond Ranta, and two nieces, Mary Fran St. Cyr and Eileen Elms of Florida. She was predeceased by two sisters, Eileen McGrady and Mary Maguire.
Barbara was born in Worcester, daughter of David L. and Annie (Schumacher) Wall. She was a graduate of Classical High School and member of Pleasant Street Baptist Church. She worked at Norton Co. for 18 years in both Worcester and Cleveland. In Barbara's younger years, her family operated Hohenburg Kennels in Worcester and raised champion Dachshunds. She, along with her mother, showed dogs at the Westminster Dog Show in Madison Square Garden as well as many other venues. Barbara was a circus-enthusiast and member of CFA - Circus Fans Association of America. She was a charter member and past secretary of Davenport/Mills Tent of the CFA of Cleveland. Barbara was also a member of the Father Edward S. Sullivan Tent #118.
Funeral services will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street on Monday, February 22nd. A calling hour will be held at 11 a.m. with a funeral service at 12 noon. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery. Flowers may be sent or donations made to the Pleasant Street Baptist Church, Memorial Fund, 165 Pleasant St., Worcester MA 01609. For directions and to leave a message of condolence in Barbara's on-line guestbook, please click link below.