Barbara Lee Ranfranz

Barbara Lee Ranfranz passed away in Cape Coral, Florida on March 7th, 2025, and is preceded in passing by her beloved husband Jim Ranfranz. She is survived by her two children, Cindy (Peter) Toth-Humprhis and Michael (Barbara) Toth; two grandchildren, Natalie and Sebastien, and an extensive family of step-children and grandchildren.

Barb was born in Hammond, Indiana on December 14th, 1945 to Adam and Theresa Kirschner. While she was young, Barb loved to swim and waterski slalom at her parent cottage at Bass Lake, Indiana. She lived in Munster, Indiana until she was married in 1965. She graduated from Hammond High School in 1964 and Don Roberts Cosmetology School in 1965. She worked briefly as a beautician until 1966 when she worked in Quality Control and Stores and Refractories at Inland Steel until 1969.

Barb was a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, and proud Hoosier. Her strong opinions meant she was a perfect match for political life and she was active in Republican politics. She served as a precinct committee person and sat on the Planning Commission in Highland, Indiana before she served for many years as Assistant Director of the United States Senate office in Hammond, Indiana under Senators Richard Lugar, Dan Quayle, and Dan Coats until until she and Jim retired to southwest Florida to escape the harsh winters and relentless road construction.

Barb and Jim were huge boating enthusiasts. They were members of Michigan City Yacht Club for many years, and later The Landings Yacht Club in Florida. "Admiral Barb" and her captain "El Scientifico" shared eight boats over the course of their life together, the first four "Golden Whales" in Indiana and four more in Florida. They enjoyed travelling on their boats up the east coast and to Chicago, overnighting and doing weekly trips.

Barb and Jim also loved to downhill and ski at resorts in Michigan, Wisconsin, and California. They also enjoyed travelling to the Caribbean and Europe, taking at least one cruise annually. They also travelled to Europe and visited England, Wales, Spain, Italy, and some Mediterranean islands. They also enjoyed travelling within the USA, frequently declaring Saturday an "Adventure Day" and using the whole day to explore new places.

She was a lifelong Cubs fan and a legendary hostess, never happier than when she was bringing people together over good food and wine. Whether it was grilling for the 500 Dock or hosting elegant dinner parties at home, her meals were always something incredibly special, a reflection of the joy with which she welcomed people into her home.

Barb was a lifelong Lutheran, and previous member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Highland, Indiana and Messiah Lutheran Church in Cape Coral, Florida.

Barb will be remembered as a woman of strong feelings and convictions, but beneath it all was a deep love for her family and a sincere desire to help and care for those around her. She resided in Cape Coral, Florida until her death when she was reunited with the love of her life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Turtles Fly Too, a charity dedicated to aiding and rescuing sea turtles, in her name.