Elaine E. Rans

Elaine E. Rans, 87, of Kewanna, passed away at 4:40 a.m., Monday, March 10, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born on Sept. 7, 1937 in Herscher, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Marie (Combs) Larkin.

She attended Kewanna Schools and received her diploma from Rochester High School.

On Sept. 25, 1953 she married Larry Rans. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 2012.

Elaine grained and dairy farmed alongside her husband, Larry for many years. She also worked for over 40 years at Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

She was a former member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Kewanna. Elaine loved spending time with her family, reading and most of all riding her bike.

Survivors include her children: Robert “Bob” Rans [Donna], Larry Rans [Barb], Susan Crawford and Diana Moore [Tom]; grandchildren: Kyle Rans [Stacy], Julie Vicsik [Jim], Joshua Sollars [Nancy], Ben Rans [Erin], Cody Rans [Kati] and Carol Owens [Jeff]; sisters: Maxine Bardsley [Jim], Pat Foust and Carol Earnest [Bill]. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by sister, Eileen Stepp; brothers-in-law: Harold Foust, Paul Bardsley and Phil Wood.

Services were at 11 a.m., Monday, March 17, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, 123 E. Main St., Kewanna.

Visitation was from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 16, at the funeral home.

Burial was at Citizens I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Kewanna.

Memorial contributions can be made to Citizens I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Elaine’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

(Pulaski County Journal — March 19, 2025)