BUXTON- Deborah Lyn Ranks, age 73, passed away on Jan. 2, 2025, at Maine Medical Center.
Deb was born on 12/21/51 to Keith and Evelyn Waterman. She grew up in Standish and attended Bonny Eagle schools, graduating in 1970. She is remembered by classmates as being sweet and friendly. As a child she enjoyed going to camp with family and had fun memories with her cousins, siblings, and family by the lake. Growing up, her grandmother taught her to play piano and sew, later making many of Tori’s clothes and family Halloween costumes. She enjoyed reading from the time she was a child.
She met her husband, Doug Ranks, in 1977. She saw him around when working at her parent’s store in Standish, Vee Vee’s Variety. Eventually, she ran into him at a dance club and asked him to dance. Doug was charmed and impressed at their meeting and did not hesitate to say yes. They married in 1979 and had a wedding full of dancing and fun to celebrate. They spent the next 45 years building a life together which included buying and renovating their home which had been in Deb’s family for many years prior. They enjoyed renovating the house over the years. They raised their two children, Aaron and Tori, plus 3 beloved dogs. She proudly attended all events her children took part in. Whenever Deb and Doug played the Powerball, Deb said if they won she’d use the money to open a free animal hospital so that all animals could receive medical treatments at no cost. Doug has said Deb took great care of him and the family. In turn, he never left her side and took great care of her during her sickness. Deb loved to plan events and she helped make Tori’s wedding and baby shower wonderful. Deb loved making the holidays special and they enjoyed hosting annual 4th of July parties. She was happiest when she was with her family.
Deb began a career at Maine Med for several years. In 1996 she began substitute teaching and fell in love with it. She was well respected by both staff and students. Teachers would request her knowing that their students would be in good hands. Students would come running up to hug her when they’d see her out in public. She also spent a lot of time at her sister Darcy’s dance studio. From helping Darcy to being a dance mom. She and Doug enjoyed helping design sets, costumes, working at, and attending all of the shows. She was proud of the dance studio as well as her sister. She was proud of Tori, Aaron, Chelsea, and Perry’s dancing as well.
Deb was so welcoming of Tori’s husband Pete and considered him one of her own children. Her heart grew even more after the birth of her precious granddaughter, Perry. She spent multiple days a week with Perry, every week, coloring, playing, reading, and snuggling.
Her story cannot be summed up without mentioning her courageous battle with cancer. Once in 2013 and then again from 2019 until her passing. She never gave up her fight or said it wasn’t fair. She showed strength and grace throughout it all. She was tough as nails. She continued to show her appreciation to all of her nurses, doctors, and medical staff even in her final days. “I consider myself luckier than most,” she declared on her last day. Both she and Doug are incredibly grateful for the medical treatments and doctors that allowed us to have more time with her.
Deb will be remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness, appreciative demeanor, warm and welcoming smile, lightheartedness, strength, grace, and beauty.
Deb is survived by her loving husband Doug, son Aaron, daughter Tori, son-in-law Pete, granddaughter Perry, as well as her siblings and in- laws, cousins, aunt, nieces, nephews, great nephews, and great niece.
The family would like to thank all of the heroes at the New England Cancer Specialists and Maine Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the New England Cancer Specialists, 2 Independence Dr., Kennebunk, Maine 04043, newenglandcancerspecialists.org.
She will be sorely missed. Please be kind, like Deb.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday Jan. 10th from 6 - 8 PM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple Street in CORNISH.