An Elverson woman who wore many hats, (both literally and figuratively) is being remembered for living all 97 years of her life to the fullest. Ruth J. Ranier passed away at her West Chester retirement community last month, but her vibrant spirit is still alive, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.   

As a child, Ranier attended a one-room schoolhouse until eighth grade. But her life would extend far beyond the four classroom walls. In 1947, she got married for the first time and had six children.

She earned degrees from the University of Delaware and Hartford in clinical psychology, focusing on vulnerable communities.  

She eventually opened her own practice in the 1980’s and taught classes at Southern Chester Medical Center in the 1990’s. Her education did not stop there. Ranier also received a Nursing Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and attended every class reunion.

After her second husband passed away, she became a world traveler, often visiting her “home away from home” in Venice.  

She took her children and grandchildren on vacations around the world, including England, Greece, Norway, Wales, and Japan. Even on her 80^th birthday, Ruth took a trip around the world on the Queen Elizabeth 2. She was known for her sophisticated sense of style and extensive hat collection.  

“I loved Ruth’s zest for life and how she lived it to the fullest every day,” a friend said.

Read more about Ruth J. Ranier in The Philadelphia Inquirer.