Jenelle Ranken

Jenelle Elizabeth Ranken died peacefully in her Baton Rouge home on February 25, 2022 surrounded by her family and friends. She was born August 16, 1945 in Port Arthur, Texas.  Her first name was chosen to honor her two grandmothers, Jennie Cross and Nellie Boudreaux. She attended Pasadena High School, graduated with high honors from Lamar Tech in 1967, and received her M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Florida in 1972. While in graduate school, she met Paul Ranken and they married on August 29, 1970.  Her life was dedicated to her husband and her true love of raising her children.

Jenelle was an artist with a needle and thread, making admirable quilts, blankets, clothing, samplers, crocheted items, etc. Her macramé wall tapestry was the background of innumerable family photos. She loved the outdoors, especially the Grand Canyon.  She enjoyed spending time and spreading joy to others through volunteering at St. George Catholic Church and creating crafts with the Albemarle Corporation Sans Souci Craft Group.

Jenelle did not let a Parkinson’s diagnosis slow down her desire to travel with her husband, assist her children or being a thoughtful, generous friend to many.  She bravely managed the disease with the loving support and care of her husband. She was always grateful for the people that helped her and she inspired you to live life with grace and love for all regardless of the unexpected challenges life presents.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Paul F. Ranken, three children, John William Ranken of Fort Worth, Texas, Catherine Ranken Ward of Baton Rouge, Michael Paul Ranken of Charlotte, North Carolina, and two sisters, Marlynn Sartin of Huffman, Texas, and Billie Jo Marshall of Fort Worth, Texas.

She is proceeded in death by her father Marvin Cross and mother Lois Cross.

Visitation will take place at St. George Catholic Church on March 4th from 9:30 until services at 11:00am. Burial will follow at the St. George Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Bill Ranken, Michael Ranken, Edgar Marshall, Craig Sartin, Don Balhoff and Allen Ward.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to TheParkinson’s Foundation.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Pinnacle Home Health and Pinnacle Hospice for the excellent care and comfort they have provided during the past five years. In particular, our love and heartfelt thanks goes out to Carolyn, a counselor and a trulygifted wound care nurse. The family also cannot express enough praise and gratitude to Jenelle’s friend, Paulette, who loved Jenelle deeply and was with her at the time of passing.