WELLS – Valentine E. Ranco “Little Deer,” 96, went to meet her creator, peacefully June 25, 2008, with her family by her side, at home. Valentine was born on the Penobscot Indian Reservation, Old Town, and was the oldest member of the tribe. She was very proud of her heritage, and was very interested and active in the welfare and progress of the tribe. Born Feb. 17, 1912, Valentine was given her name by her mother, Marie Lewis Morris, since she was expected on Valentine’s Day, arriving only a few days late. She lived her early years on Orson Island with her grandparents, Louis and Lizzie Lolar, while her mother worked to support them. They lived off of the land and ate whatever wild animals they could catch to survive. Valentine was taught to hunt and fish at an early age by her grandfather. When she was five years old, she was transported by canoe to attend school on Indian Island, which was taught by nuns. She spoke only Penobscot and had to learn English at this time. Valentine lived a full life, and with her husband, Leslie J. Ranco, owned and operated the Indian Moccasin Shop, Wells, for approximately 53 years. Valentine enjoyed making Indian crafts, knitting, sewing, gardening, music, dancing, playing cards and board games with her grandchildren, and cooking and feeding anyone who visited. She was always the last to leave a party. One of the original members of St. Mary’s Sodality at St. Mary’s Church, Wells, she looked forward to monthly meetings. She was predeceased by her husband, Leslie, in 1996; and by her son, Ronald E. Ranco, in 1979. She is survived by a daughter, Joan “June” L. Lane of Wells; and by eight grandchildren, Carol A. Lane of Kennebunkport, Barbara E. Giammarino and husband, Nicola Sr., of Springfield, Mass., Daniel R. Lane of Wells, Donna M. Wojtowicz and husband, Richard, of Wells, Patricia E. Lane of Kennebunk, John Ranco and good friend, John Clancy, of Brookline, Mass., Steven Ranco and wife, Amy, of Westbrook, and Joseph Ranco and wife, Cindy, of Bridgton; her daughter-in-law, Carole Ranco of Westbrook. Valentine had 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, and 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3, at Holy Spirit Parish/St. Mary’s Church, Eldridge Road, Wells. Burial will be held after at Ocean View Cemetery, Wells. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The Senior Citizens Center, Penobscot Indian Reservation, Community Building, 12 Wabanaki Way, Indian Island, Old Town, ME 04468. www.bibberfuneral.com
VALENTINE E. RANCO
