Opal Lynn Ranton, retired surgical nurse
Opal Lynn Giles Ranton, 73, of Alexandria, La., passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, in Milford.
Opal was born in Houston, Texas, to Eugene and Mary Giles Feb. 21, 1940, and was raised in Shreveport, La. She was preceded in death by her parents of Shreveport, La.; her brother, Eugene Giles of Mentone, Ala.; her loving husband, Richard Wayne Ranton of Alexandria; her stepson Michael Todd Ranton of Olla, La.; and her daughter, Kathy Lynn Pratt of Milford.
Opal gained her bachelor of science degree in nursing and spent many years as a surgical R.N. at Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria. She also spent the latter part of her career working as a charge nurse for Briarwood Hospital in Alexandria. She saved many lives and touched so many more.
Opal was a dedicated member of Cotile Baptist Church in Boyce, La., and she continued to practice her faith when she relocated to Delaware. Opal was also a creative woman of many talents. She had a photographic memory and she made friends easily; always willing to help others in any way she could. She was an accomplished children’s novel writer, she painted and drew life-like portraits and landscapes, and over the years, she played her guitar and sang in local upscale restaurants. Most of all, Opal was a loyal New Orleans Saints fan. With season tickets and all her fan gear in hand, she and Wayne attended every home game and numerous away games for many years. When she could no longer attend, she never missed a televised or radio aired game.
Opal is survived by her sister, Patsy Putnam and husband Charles of Madison, Ala.; son James Pratt of Lake Stevens, Wash.; son Stephen Pratt and wife Janis Hanwell of Lewes; daughter Shirley (Dee) Conaway of Georgetown; daughter Barbara Passwaters and her husband Dave of Milford; and two stepsons Terry Ranton and wife Carol of Olla, La., and Ricky Ranton and wife Sally of Lafayette, La. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews; many grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18, in the chapel at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, 701 Jackson St., Alexandria, La.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Opal’s honor to: Cotile Baptist Church, 8735 Hwy. 1200, Boyce, LA 71409.
