STELLA M. RANTA
MONSON, Stella M. Ranta, 79, died Sept. 26, 2001, at a Greenville hospital. She was born Oct. 30, 1921 in Sangerville, daughter of Walter and Pearl (Philbrick) Johnson. She attended Monson Academy. She married Jorma Ranta in 1939 and they shared life together for 53 years until his death in 1993. She was also predeceased by an infant daughter. She worked for Brown's Nursing Home in Monson for many years. Stella was an active member of the Monson Community Church, the Finnish Farmer's Club and the Sunshine Club. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by three sons and their wives, William and Cindy Ranta, James and Debbie Ranta all of Monson and Reino and Karen Ranta of Jaffery, NH; two daughters and their husbands, Elsa and Michael Lamontagne of Waterville and Elena and Ron Danylchuk of Colorado Springs, Colorado; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

At her request private graveside services will be held at the Hillside Cemetery in Monson. Those who wish may make donations in her memory to the Monson Community Church, P.O. Box 262, Monson, ME 04464. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, Guilford.