INDIAN ISLAND – Rita May Ranco, 81, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Nov. 11, 2011, at her residence. She was born May 22, 1930, in Calais, a daughter of the late George and Mariah (Lewey) Stevens.
Rita worked for the University of Maine and also as a cook at Indian Island School System. Rita will be remembered for her open door policy to her family and friends and was very proud to be a Native Woman. She enjoyed the outdoors and going to camp at Chain Lake. Most of all Rita enjoyed spending time with her family.
She is survived by her two children, Eva Love of Indian Island and Lorraine Ritter of Indian Township; grandchildren, Bethany Rice, Ryan Gabriel, Awani Love, Qual Love, Nikia Neptune, Nakoma Gabriel and Keona Love-Booker; 20 great-grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and brothers, George Stevens Jr. of Indian Township and Jon Stevens and wife, Carol, of Indian Township. Rita will also be missed by a special friend, Yvonne Fitzpatrick; as well as many nieces and nephews. Rita was predeceased by an infant daughter, Baby Mary; her brothers, Eugene Stevens and Dickie Stevens; her sisters, Madeline Paul, Phyllis Sabattus; and a granddaughter, Tiffany Stevens.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Indian Island. Memorial donations may be made in Rita’s name to Indian Island Food Pantry, 12 Wabanaki Way, Indian Island, ME 04468. Arrangements by Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. Notes of condolence may be left at
www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.