1940-2025
Deidre Marquette Raney, 84, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Brookdale Muirfield Senior Living, Dublin.
She was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on August 30, 1940, the daughter of the late Donald and Sylvia (Kleyne) Mills.
On September 19, 1958, she married George Turpin Raney Sr. in Los Angeles, CA, and he preceded her in death on April 14, 2023. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Naola Summers, and two brothers, Donald Mills, Jr., and Alan Mills.
She is survived by two daughters, Deborah (Keith) Woodly of Columbus and Dr. Kim Raney Ciofani of Wickliffe, three sons, George T. Raney Jr. of Los Angeles, Brett Raney and Kip Raney, both of Bellefontaine, grandchildren, Danielle (Mike) Ciofani, Andrea (Ben) Hinde, Gabrielle Ciofani, Weston Woodly, Bren Woodly, Mason (Haley) Prickett, Logan (Nicole) Raney, Shelby Raney, her great grandchildren, Lucibella, Sophiana, Solstice, Jasper, Michelangelo, Eleanor, Jack, Deidre, Owen, and Dominic, a sister, Melody Mills, a brother, John H. (Corky) Mills III and numerous nieces and nephews.
Throughout her life, Deidre wore many hats with grace and diligence. She worked at local schools and Randall’s Bakery, brought order and care to her work as a bookkeeper for the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, and the 68 Grille, and later served her community as a pharmacy technician at CVS. In every role, she carried herself with integrity and dedication.
Deidre, a woman of unwavering love, gentle strength, and boundless compassion, is leaving behind a legacy of kindness and devotion that touched all who knew her. She was a loyal friend, a caring wife, a loving mother, and a fiercely devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, whose family was the center of her world.
Deidre was quick to laugh and make others laugh with her. She had a quirky sense of humor and could make up the lyrics to any song on the radio.
She loved crosswords, sudoku, and was an avid reader. With endless patience, she often read in the car, waiting contentedly while her children and grandchildren played sports, competed, or simply enjoyed a day at the park. Her presence was steady and reassuring—always there, always loving.
Simple pleasures that brought her peace and joy were fresh hot coffee in the morning, warm sunshine in the backyard, and the love and laughter of her family.
Deidre will be deeply missed. She was known for her compassionate spirit, her warm smile, and her unwavering kindness. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and seen. Her legacy is one of love, patience, and a life well-lived in service to others. We have all been truly blessed by her life.
Pastor Ron Irick will officiate a funeral service on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Wednesday, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church / Makley Hall – Mercy Meals, 316 E Patterson Ave, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Raney family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com
