Wells River VT, Nancy J (Burnham) Ranno, 79, former owner of Burnham's Shoe Store in Wells River, VT, died at her home on Wednesday November 18, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Nancy was born in Woodsville, NH on February 27, 1941 to the late Mark and Marion (McClay) Burnham.  She grew up in Wells River and graduated from Wells River High School in 1959.

Nancy married Robert Hatley and had a daughter Debra.  On July 21, 1967, Nancy married the late George "Sonny" Ranno.

Nancy worked at the Nancy Lee Fruit market and eventually started helping her mother, Marion, with the shoe store that her parents opened in 1928 and relocated the store in Wells River in 1945.  In 1986, after her mother passed, she continued to offer the same quality customer service her parents provided.  After 87 years in business Nancy decided it was time to close the shoe store.  Of course, she wasn't one to sit around so she took a fulltime job at W.E. Jock Oil Co. Inc. in Wells River.

An active community member, she was involved in several local committees, the treasurer for the Baldwin Memorial Library along with being involved with the Wells River / Woodsville Merchant Association and the Wells River Action Program.

Nancy had many interests.  She loved playing cribbage with her friend Sandy Boyce at the Legion and with Amy Spisak in West Barnet, along with many other friends.  She also enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Boston Red Sox, the UConn woman's basketball team and the local high school games.  Sonny and Nancy also enjoyed following NASCAR Cup and Xfinity series racing.  After Sonny passed in 2000, Nancy continued her tradition, and along with her close friend Sue, went to the races in Loudon for another 16 years, where they made many friends from all over New England and Canada.  Nancy also enjoyed the week she would spend in Fryeburg at the Fair for many years.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Debra Hatley, of RI; sister-in-law Ruth Ranno of North Haverhill; a nephew, David J. Locke, Jr. of Haverhill; four nieces, Wanda Larrivee and her husband Marc, Kathy Locke of Stuart, FL, Shannon Clough and her husband James of North  Haverhill, and Lisa Simonds and her husband Bruce of Woodsville; and several great nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Monday, November 30 ^th from 6 to 7 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville NH.  Burial will take place in the spring at Wells River Cemetery.

Masks and social distancing are required for attendance at Nancy's calling hours.  Those who wish may make donations in memory of Nancy Ranno to Baldwin Memorial Library, PO Box 338, Wells River, VT 05081