Leeta Rannells

Leeta Fern (Calhoon) Rannells was born on October 18, 1894 in Charles City, Iowa to parents Francis Elmer and Lena (Crow) Calhoon. Leeta's father was a Methodist minister, so Leeta attended many different schools and lived in various locations throughout the United States. While living in New York State, she went to work for the telephone company. In 1915, she came to Dunlap to help out her Aunt Ada and Uncle Will Rannells. On September 5, 1916, she married James Arthur Rannells at Ada & Will's house west of Dunlap by Rev. Grant. The couple farmed Arthur's parents homesteaded farm northwest of Dunlap, where son Francis currently lives. They moved into town in the fall of 1951. Arthur died on September 6, 1965.
Leeta was a longtime member of the Dunlap United Methodist Church, where she had been active with the United Methodist Women, taught Sunday School and sang in church choir. She also had been in the Dorcas Society. Leeta & Arthur loved their family, music and their church. They enjoyed family outings, fishing and picnics.
Leeta died on Monday, June 30, 2003 at the Dunlap Nursing & Rehab Center at the age of 108 years, eight months and 12 days, making her the oldest person in Harrison and Crawford County.
Leeta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Ray at age 104 and Dale Calhoon at age 100; two sisters, Ula Calhoon and Faye Shults; three grandchildren, Jon & Steve Wetter and Sandra Rannells. She is survived by her five children, Ruth Heller of Dunlap, Margaret Wetter of Des Moines, Francis Rannells & his wife Estella of Dunlap, Eula Jeane & her husband Frank Roberts of Dunlap and Richard Rannells & his wife Polly of Ridgedale, MO; 18 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Services
10:30 AM, Wednesday, July 2, 2003
United Methodist Church
Dunlap, Iowa

Clergy
Rev. Judy Deweber

Organist
Barbara Amsberry

Pallbearers
Rollie Roberts Jim Roberts Rick Rannells
Craig Rannells Don Roberts Ron Roberts
Dan Rannells Ken Rannells

Final Resting Place
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Dunlap, Iowa