Katheen N. Ranew, born in Lake Ariel, PA, died peacefully on March 11 in Daytona Beach.  She was 96 years old.  Kay, as she was known to friends, had lived the previous sixty-eight years in Daytona Beach.

After her childhood, spent in Lake Ariel, she moved to east Orange, New Jersey in 1943 with her father, a native of Daytona Beach, on leave from the U.S. Merchant Marine.  They courted for the duration of WWII and for a short time after. They were married on December 13, 1952.

The Ranews settled in Daytona Beach, where they founded Atlas Welding Company.  Son Jeff was born in 1957, and in 1967 Kay decided to return to school to become a Registered Nurse.  She enrolled at Daytona Beach Junior College, graduated, and was employed by Halifax Hospital, working in ICU and CCU, until a diagnosis of cancer in 1974 cut short her career, but not her life.

Following years of cancer therapy, Kay began her career in volunteerism.  She and husband Lloyd were involved in many civic activities, but committed most of their time and energy to the American Red Cross, and the Volusia County Council on Aging – Meals on Wheels.  In 1990, Kay received the Mary L. Williams Volunteer of the Year award from the Red Cross for outstanding service.  She provided phlebotomy services at the building on White Street, and would go on ARC Blood Drives to locations around the area.  Lloyd would frequently drive the Bloodmobile.

After the sale of Atlas Welding in 1979, the Ranews travelled for several years before deciding on Maggie Valley, NC as a second home site.  For nearly thirty years they split their time between Daytona Beach and Maggie Valley, continuing their volunteer activities in both locations.  In Maggie Valley they became very active with the local Meals on Wheels program as well as other community based civic activities.  The Folkmoot Festival was one of their favorites.

Kay and Lloyd were lifelong members of First Presbyterian Church of Daytona Beach, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and led youth groups.  They were also members of the Maggie Valley United Methodist Church, where they made many lasting friendships over the years.

Kay was an avid reader, traveler and lover of cats.   She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, after 64 years of marriage; her brother Gerald Norton; and her daughter-in-law Peggy Christ Ranew.  She is survived by her son Jeff.

The memorial service will be this Saturday at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church of Daytona Beach, 620 S. Grandview Avenue.

For those unable to attend the service will be available on Facebook by going to www.facebook.com/FPCDAYTONA

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com