Ranell M. (Blake) Porter, 54

Ranell M. Blake was born October 24, 1968 at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett, NE. She was the youngest child of Archie Lee and Ila Mae (Sybrant) Blake. She was welcomed home by her brother, Dean and her sister, Ronda. She passed away at her home in Long Pine, NE on September 19, 2023 at the age of 54 years.

Ranell was united in marriage to Nathan Porter on December 28, 1994 at Long Pine, and to this union, four children were born - Dianna on August 17, 1996, Clayton on December 3, 1997 and twins, Logan and Jackie on September 27, 2001, with Logan being the eldest. This marriage ended in divorce.

Most of Ranell’s life was spent in Rock and Brown Counties of Nebraska, growing up in southeastern Rock County. She often referred to it as “God’s Country.” She loved the Sandhills and all the amazing nature that it had to offer, enjoying ranching, cattle, horses, fishing and hunting. She thoroughly enjoyed time spent with her family and friends. She was a good cook, always trying something new and often times spicing her meals up a bit!

Ranell attended the one-room Sybrant School (District #77) and attended Rock County High School, staying weeknights at her grandmother’s house (Gladys Blake) in Bassett. Ranell was very close to her grandparents, and loved the time spent with them. That being said, she was always anxious to be home on the weekends. Ranell graduated with the Class of 1987. She attended college at NECC at Norfolk, NE receiving an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology. While attending college, she worked part time at a hog operation near Pierce, NE. Her job was mostly taking care of baby pigs. After graduating from NECC, her job in Pierce became full-time. She also obtained a EMT-A Certificate and a EMT-D Certificate from McCook College, which she utilized serving as an EMT for both Rock and Brown Counties. She was always researching medical procedures and had a strong interest in natural healing.

Ranell loved to read and visited the library often with her children, which was part of their home-schooling. She had many hobbies, most of which she learned at a young age. She had a gift for creating and loved crocheting, embroidery, jewelry making and gardening, to name a few. Ranell also loved to draw. Her artwork has been published as a coloring book featuring pictures mostly of horses. Ranell loved and enjoyed much of what life offered, but most of all, she loved her four children and the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ranell was preceded in death by her father, Archie Blake; grandparents, Austin and Naomi Sybrant and Edward and Gladys Blake; and cousin, Sharon (Blake) Croghan.

She leaves to mourn her passing her four children, Dianna Porter of Bassett, Clayton Porter of Ainsworth, Logan Porter of Philip, SD and Jackie Porter of Tyndall, SD; her mother, Ila Mae Blake of Bassett; brother, Dean Blake of Bassett; sister, Ronda (Mike) Davis; uncle, Arlo (Esther) Sybrant of Bassett; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Sybrant Community Church near Bassett, NE with Pastor Jason Thompson as officiant. The CD selections played included, “God On The Mountain” by Lynda Randle and “Far Side Banks of Jordan” by Jimmy Fortune. A Remembrance and Fellowship event followed the memorial service led by Loren Ammon at the Bassett American Legion Club.

Memorials were suggested to the family in Ranell’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.