Darcee Renee (Sloan) Ranker’s life journey began on Feb. 18, 1959 in Great Bend and her fight against metastatic breast cancer ended on Jan. 8, 2023. Darcee’s strength and perseverance during more than 20 years battling cancer were inspirational, even more so for her ability to find joy and wonder in the face of life’s challenges and uncertainties.
Darcee is survived by her husband Phil Ranker; daughter Lynsie Ranker and son-in-law James Blake; brother Rob Sloan and sister-in-law June Sloan; brother-in-law Steve Ranker and brother-in-law David Ranker; and sister-in-law Ronda Ranker; and numerous family members who all loved her dearly. Darcee’s family included “friends who became her family,” stretching her love, and our love for her, from Great Bend, to Kansas City, to New Jersey, to Seattle, to San Diego, and everywhere in between.
Darcee was an amazing and special person. She was brilliant, funny, generous, and empathetic. For her husband Phil, she was a constant companion, conscious, advisor, cheerleader, amazing mother to Lynsie, and partner-in-crime for nearly 50 years. She enjoyed playing mahjong and pitch with her friends, losing herself in a new book, going out for a “refreshing beverage” or afternoon snack just because, and walking on the beach with her family. She was also a formidable player of “words with friends” and a sports addict who loved cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks, and her favorite golfers. She was a fierce friend, steadfast confidant, and great listener for many. She lived for all the people that she loved. Everyone was blessed by her kind smile, sweet laugh, and amazing hugs. We are thankful for all the great memories of Darcee and for the support she selflessly provided throughout our lives.
The world is less loving, less kind, less caring, and less gracious without Darcee in it. She will be greatly missed.
Darcee asked that there be no memorial service for her and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Darcee Ranker in support of: UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation, Attn: Melissa Brody, 9-623 Factor Bldg, P.O.Box 951780, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1780; or, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at P.O.Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 19, 2023
