The Rev. Dr. Shirley Ann Ranck died on May 14, 2023, at the age of 92 (1930-2023).
Shirley is survived by her children, Scott Page, James Page, Christina
Bell, and Laura Van Lue, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.
Shirley received her BA degree from Montclair State University (NJ) in 1953 followed by a Masters of Religious Education from Drew University (NJ) in 1958, an MA in Clinical Psychology from City University of New York in 1964, a PhD in Urban School Psychology from Fordham University (NY) in 1976, and a Master of Divinity from the Thomas Starr King School for the Ministry (CA) in 1978.
Shirley worked for many years as a school psychologist in the Livingston NJ public schools. After receiving her PhD, she decided on a career change and became a Unitarian Universalist minister. Most of her career was spent as an interim minister for various Unitarian Universalist congregations around the United States and Canada.
Shirley is the author of the “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven: A Ten Session Course in Feminist Thealogy,” published by the Unitarian Universalist Association. She is also author of the books Cakes for the Queen of Heaven and The Grandmother Galaxy, and a number of articles for various publications. Her last published work was as co-editor of Pagan and Earth-Centered Voices in Unitarian Universalism, to which she contributed three chapters.
She will be interred with her parents in a private ceremony. Memorial donations in Shirley’s name may be made to:
– the UU Women’s Federation UU Women’s Federation
<https://www.uuwf.org/Donate>
– the Malala Fund How to Help Girls? Education
<https://malala.org/donate?sc=header>
UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry. Notes of condolence can be sent to Laura Van Lue, 122 Parkway, Niles MI
49120.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.