Mary Tentunian Ranks

LIVERMORE FALLS – Mary Tentunian Ranks, 91, went to be with her Savior on Feb. 1, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Livermore Falls.

Mary was born on Sept. 29, 1932, in Tanta, Egypt. She was Armenian, but her parents had been displaced to a refugee camp in Egypt during the Armenian genocide, so that is where she grew up and received her education. Armenians highly valued two things: their Christian faith and education.

Although Mary’s father died when she was only 3 from injuries sustained during the genocide, her mother and grandmother worked hard and succeeded in providing Christian education in a Muslim land for her and her siblings and college education after that. Mary attended the University of Cairo and earned a B.A. in American Literature. In studying English, she had an American pen pal who would become her future husband. On January 8th, 1957, she married Austin Ranks of Canton, Maine in Switzerland, and they made their home in Mexico, Maine. They were blessed with three daughters, Caroline, Amelia, and Corinne.

Mary began teaching in 1966, first teaching French at Mexico high school, and later teaching French and Social Studies in West Peru, and earned a Master’s degree during this time. She later worked for a number of years at the Department of Human Services in Farmington.

Mary was a lifelong faithful believer in Jesus Christ, and church was always a big part of her life. She was always eager to share her faith with others. She attended Mexico Baptist church for many years and later the Praise Assembly of God in Rumford. After moving to Livermore following her husband’s death, she faithfully attended the New Life church of Jay until she was no longer able to attend. She was alternately cared for by her two daughters in Maine, Caroline and Corinne, the last two years being in Caroline’s home until her passing.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Austin, and is survived by her daughters Caroline (Dr. Thomas) Boenig of Livermore Falls, Amelia (James) Mott of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Corinne (Daniel) Hamel of Turner; 13 grandchildren; and 19 little ones who loved their “GG Mary”!

Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfunerahome.com

Visitation will be held from 7 – 9 p.m. Thursday Feb. 8 and 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 with the funeral service immediately following at 12 PM at FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Interment in the spring at Pine Grove Cemetery, Route 108, Canton, Maine.