Obituary of Deborah Lee Kenny

Deborah Lee Marie Kenny (nee Ranft) “Only a life lived for others is a life worth living” With heavy hearts we share the passing of Deborah Lee Ranft Kenny. Deb’s beautiful smile brightened our lives for 55 years and we will forever see it in our memories. Debbie was born in 1964 and was the middle child in the Ranft household. As a young girl, she excelled in sports and was an exceptional gymnast. She joined the family business, Ranft’s Vacuum & Appliance, and over time it became apparent that she was “the” person at the shop. She was skilled and precise and seemed capable of fixing anything. Her Dad was so proud of her mechanical skills and, over time, even turned big pieces of the business over to her. Those who knew Deb, or, if you ever walked into Ranft’s, remember that smile. She was the face that brightened the day. Yet, she was so much more than that. She was loving and selfless - always. She dedicated her life putting others above her own needs and wants. She cared for so many in her family and exuded love and compassion. She was a beautiful soul. She donated much of her time wherever it was needed and even assisted with running the Denville Parade a couple of times, which was a family tradition of sorts. Debbie loved music and singing. She adored animals and was a Mom to dogs Lexi and Maize and to birds Lucky and Sam. Deb was an awesome cook and loved to bake. Her famous sugar cookies will never be replicated. Good luck to everyone who tries! When she was relaxing at home you could find her in the kitchen and enjoying her family…her heart. Her Billy and her Will are the two men that made her world go ‘round. Twenty five years ago, Deb married her sweetheart William Kenny and they started their beautiful life together. A few years later, they were blessed again when their son Will was born. He was her everything. Debbie got Will off the school bus every single day. If we know anything, we know that Will was her greatest joy and biggest achievement. She was so very proud of him and will always be watching from above. In this year of great sadness let us be grateful for the love that we have received from Debbie. That love and her memory will undoubtedly give us strength and grace in the days ahead. And when you find yourself faced with a decision, keep it simple and ask yourself “what would Deb do?” Love will guide you. She leaves joyful memories to her husband William Kenny Jr; her son Will III; her sister Melinda Bramhall (John); brothers Robert Ranft III (Lisa) and Rick Ranft (Jennifer); her Aunts Theresa, Dot, Godfather Dan (Kolleen), and Uncle Tim Ryan, Julie Case, and her Godmother Mary Ryan; her nieces and nephews Michelle Lattari, Marissa Ranft (Brandon), Robert Ranft IV (Maria), Alec Ranft, Danny Lattari (Lena), Brian Lattari (Cassidy) and Kevin Thomas. Her cherished grandnephews Braden, Mason, Treyson, and Konstantin Lattari, and many dear relatives, friends, and customers. Her beloved sister Theresa and her Mom and Dad Patricia and Robert passed previously. Please join us as we celebrate a beautiful life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, January 14th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church. To all who loved her and whom she loved, visiting hours will be on Monday, January 13th from 5-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, Denville. Donations in her name may be made to the good work of the Joey Bella Memorial Fund, 15 Myers Ave., Denville NJ 07834.