Maria Ranieri, 91, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, in Miles City, Montana on the evening of July 27, 2025.
Maria was born in Germany and raised during WW2 in Kaiserslautern. During and after the war Maria and her siblings worked in the potato fields to provide for the family.
In 1952 she met the love of her life Robert Ranieri in Kaiserslautern Germany. The two were married in 1953 and had their first child, Irene Ranieri, in 1954. They moved back to the US to Square Butte, Montana. The two moved around Montana before settling in Great Falls, where their second daughter, Lori (Lynn) Anderson, was born in 1956. In 1958 their third daughter, Patricia (John) Grau, was born.
Maria was a waitress at multiple restaurants in Great Falls for 15 years. Once the daughters were out of school they decided to build houses and travel to different cities. First in Fort Shaw, MT and then moving to the Tri-cities of Washington state. They came back to Montana in 1984 where Robert drove school bus and Maria worked in the Albertsons bakery in Great Falls while they continued to build a new house in Cascade. They moved to Hardy Creek, MT where they built the house of their dreams on 20 acres. They lived there for 15 years before they moved back to Great Falls, MT, and once again they started to build, at the ages of 65.
From 2005 – 2010 they traveled the country in their RV. Maria was able to see her grandkids that were all around the country in different states. They finally settled down in 2010 in Miles City MT. She lost the love of her life, Robert, who passed away in 2021. She spent the last years of her life living with her youngest daughter Trish until her passing.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Ranieri, Daughters Irene Ranieri, Lori Anderson (Lynn), and all of her siblings. She is survived by her Daughter Trish (John) Grau. Grandkids Chuck Harris, Nathen Ebby, Josh Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Alex (Ethan) Purkey, Caitlin (Caleb) Brown. 10 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews and many loving and caring friends.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Denise Harvey says
Trish and family.
My prayers and hugs are with you all!
Lynn M Anderson says
I am saddened to learn of Maria’s passing, but I am also happy she is reunited with her loved ones. I remember her sharing with me about working long hard days in the potato fields to make sure the family had food to eat. She endured and suffered through more than we can ever imagine, and yet she continued to keep her beautiful smile and a deep love for her family throughout her 91 years. I pray the family will hold on to the precious memories that she leaves behind to comfort them during this difficult time. She left a legacy and will be missed.
Carol Schneidt says
So sorry to hear this. Got to know her at our senior pinochle card games on Friday afternoons! Such a great lady and we will all miss her!
Bonnie Lopez says
I am so blessed to call her my friend. Because of her, I learned what an amazing God I have that he made my home the United States. Maria’s life was much more difficult than what mine ever was, and because of her and her stories, I realized how blessed I was. I will miss her dearly. I love Maria, but because of her presence in my life, my life was better for it. Maria be at peace I pray that you have found all your loved ones that have passed before you and that you are now rejoicing together.
Josephine Meidinger says
Maria was very nice lady. Enjoyed playing cards with her. Last time I saw her we had a good visit at Wal-Mart. Was planning on playing cards with us at Range Riders Bar and Cafe
She will be missed. Allows had smile and 🍬 candy.
Lori Raisler says
I really enjoyed getting to know Maria at pinochle club. She looked fabulous in yellow, and always came ready with a bag of yummy candy. God bless you all in this time of grief and loss.
Jona and Billy Cowell says
I loved all of Aunt Maria and Uncle Bobbys stories. Aunt Maria was an awesome cook, and a beautiful person. She had a great smile that made you feel welcome. You will be missed.
Lots of love and prayers to Trish and family.