Obituaries

Anne Marie (Ranson) Ware, age 85, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on October 29, 2025, at Merlin Home after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on May 19, 1940, in Sault Ste. Marie to William Cody and Elizabeth (Mingay) Ranson.

Anne grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Sault Area High School with the Class of 1958. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Western Michigan University in 1962. That same year, she returned home to marry the love of her life, Henry F. Ware of Barbeau, Michigan. Together, they built a life centered on family, education, and community.

Anne Marie began her teaching career soon after her marriage and spent most of her years in the classroom at McKinley School. Her children fondly remember her enthusiasm for teaching as well as her joy for summer breaks—when she would load the car and head to Sherman Park or the family cabin on Lake Superior for long, sunny days together. She also loved playing the piano, singing, and, later in life, caring for her beloved grandchildren.

An active member of the War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Anne Marie also cherished her friendships with a close-knit group of retired teachers, with whom she shared many laughs and memories.

Anne Marie is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Henry Ware of Sault Ste. Marie; her children, Henri Ware of Sault Ste. Marie, Robert Ware of Dafter, Stephanie (Matt) Donaldson of Port Huron, and James Garth (Leira) Ware of Juneau, Alaska; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Susan Faunt of Sault Ste. Marie, Margaret Viele of Gainesville, Florida, and Mary Lynn (Mark) Zimmerman of Plainwell, Michigan; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; William and Elizabeth; sisters, Catherine Fornnarino and Carol Hurst; and her brother-in-law, Robert Faunt.

A Celebration of Life for both Anne Marie and her sister, Carol Hurst, who passed away earlier this year, will be held in July 2026.