Ranae Bliss Obituary (1952 - 2006)

READFIELD - Ranae Antioenette (Smart) Bliss, 54, passed away on Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, with her family by her side. She was born in Augusta on June 1, 1952, the daughter of Lloyd and Flora Imogene Smart. She attended local schools and graduated from Hall-Dale High School. Ranae was employed as a payroll technician by the state Department of Human Services for almost 30 years. Her customers loved her and fellow workers admired her for her incredible wit, which kept things lively and was enjoyed by all during her tenure there. She had a big heart and, if ever anyone was in need, Ranae was right there to help. She was a courageous and spirited person, never complaining over the years about her illness and its increasing disability. Ranae's family would like to express their gratitude to all the staff at MaineGeneral Medical Center's Critical Care Unit for their loving and tender care during her time there, and to Dr. James Brassard for his devoted care for her over the years. Ranae was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Dale F. Bliss, of Readfield. She also leaves her two sons and their wives, Zachary Bliss and Daniell of Portland, Ore., and Adam Bliss and Jennifer of Westbrook. Other family survivors include her four sisters, Linda Gay and husband Fred, of Hallowell, Marcia Smart of West Gardiner, Lisa Smart of Litchfield, and Angela Burgess and husband, Andrew, of Windsor; sisters-in-law Susan Mahoney and husband, John, of Lakewood, Colo., and Amy Farrell and husband Robert, of Woodstock, Ga.; and her in-laws, Catherine and Fred Bliss of Readfield. She also leaves 15 nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1 Church St., Augusta. A celebration of Ranae's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Torsey Memorial Church, with the Rev. Karen Munson officiating. Burial will follow at Kents Hill Cemetery, located directly across the street from the church. If desired, donations may be made to the Maine Lung Association, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330; or to the charity of one's choice.