Born a Christmas Baby on December 23rd, 1943, Pauline Frances Flynt Ranum was the product of her first generation Italian mother, and her English father's "Heinz 57" ancestry, as she would put it. A wife, mother, friend and mentor, she had a heart full of joy with infectious laughter, and could also have a bit of spiciness.

As many know, Pauline loved to cook, but loved to shop even more. Her favorite things were butterflies and little birds, but anything cute or shiny could be added to her collection at any time.

Although born in Schenectady, NY, her family soon moved to California where she grew up in the Los Angeles area cities of Westchester, Palos Verdes and Orange. Much of her teen years mirrored that of the southern California movies of the Fifties and Sixties with plenty of Sun and sand. It was a very good thing that the family had made the move, because Pauline met Curtis at the age of 15 through mutual friends at Narbonne High School in Harbor City, CA. In September of 1959, they began their 64 year relationship, 60 years of that being married. So smitten with at first sight with him that she conspired with friends to set up some double dates with another boy to get Curtis to go along to a football game so she could be with him. The plan was a resounding success and the two began dating immediately.

Being a year ahead of Curtis in school, Pauline attended Cal Poly University after graduation to study business. It only lasted a couple of semesters due to her strong dislike for all things School. She tried again at Santa Anna Business College, with the same results. One might think she just wanted to be closer to Curtis. She ended up working for Remmington Rand and Broadway department stores while Curtis finished High School. He joined the Army a year after graduation and she moved with her parents to Orange, CA making for a long distance relationship.

Even with the move, their love didn't diminish, rather grew, and they suddenly took the opportunity to elope with Curtis' brother and his finance to Las Vegas. After sneaking her birth-certificate out of her parent's files, the four made their way to Vegas. Some how her mother found out and was able to thwart that wedding. However, the traditional wedding her mother wanted to have did occur a little over half a year later in Redondo Beach when she was twenety years old and he just 19. Thus began her life as an Army wife.

During their twenty-nine year service, they lived in twelve States and experienced an additional two three-year tours in Germany in the 70's and 80's. Pauline loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit several countries, the last being Israel in 2014. Moving was rather frequent to the point that by the time she and Curtis built their final home, they had moved 39 times since being together. Often times in anticipation of leaving for another location, they would "walk the block" to soak in the essence of their home and build a lasting memory to hold on to as they moved forward in life.

Even though Pauline didn't light up the Business World with her acumen, she excelled as a mother with her dedication and devotion to Renee and Frank. She was the steadfast rock of the family during all the times Curtis was away for his varied jobs both in the military and after. Very early in their marriage Pauline was faced with caring for Renee, carrying and giving birth to Frank while Curtis served his second tour in Vietnam. She was a disciplinarian, single handily influencing the "Flyswatter and Yardstick Market" valuations. She was an advocate for the children, both at home and publicly, a nurse, costume designer, chauffeur, baker, playmate and friend. Most of all she was an Ensurer of being loved.

They had an additional 13 years in the Corrections field after military retirement that ultimately brought her back to Georgia. Curtis' work separation from Pauline the last three years of employment and her mild TIA influenced his decision to retire and be with her full time.

Pauline is survived by her husband, Curtis Alden Ranum, daughter Renee Christine (Keith) Ranum Perry, her son Frank Flynt Ranum, grandsons Brett (Briona) Allen Largent and Ryan Christopher Largent.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Via Flynt and Frances Josephine Nocera Flynt; and her half-sister, Gloria Spano Flynt Johnson.

While she had her health issues later in life, her positive attitude gave support to the family, even in her troubled times. Pauline passed at home sitting next to the love of her life at approximately 4 pm Tuesday, February 27, 2024. She may be gone physically, but her love is seen and felt by all who have gotten to know her in these difficult days and will always be present.
The staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ranum Family.