Ranae James Scott, 77, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away of natural causes on September 23, 2026. A resident of Kalamazoo for more than 40 years, Ranae built a life there filled with family, creativity, history, and a deep appreciation for the stories and objects that connect us to the generations that came before us.

Ranae was born on February 27, 1949, in Alpena, Michigan, to Rosella and Gerald Scott. He grew up in Alpena and graduated from Alpena High School before moving to Kalamazoo to continue his education at Western Michigan University, where he earned a master’s degree in library science.

A lifelong historian at heart, Ranae had a remarkable passion for preserving the past. As a young man, he worked with local libraries to document and share stories of local history. That passion remained with him throughout his life, and within his own family, Ranae became a keeper of its history. He devoted countless hours to researching his family’s genealogy and collecting and preserving family photographs dating to the mid-1800s. Through his research and storytelling, he helped younger generations know the names, faces, and stories of the people who came before them.

Ranae was also extraordinarily creative. He created intricate tatted lace and beautiful jewelry and had a collector’s appreciation for antique glass dating from the mid-1800s through the 1950s. Whether working with his hands, researching a piece of history, or discovering another branch of the family tree, Ranae found beauty and meaning in preserving things that might otherwise have been lost.

His creativity and love of tradition also found their way into the kitchen. During the holidays, Ranae enjoyed preparing French dinners for family and friends, bringing people together around the table to share good food, conversation, and time with one another.

Perhaps most importantly, Ranae was deeply loyal and caring. When someone he loved was in need or experiencing health problems, he was someone who could be counted on to help and provide care. His generosity toward others reflected the loving nature that his family and friends will remember most.

Ranae was married for 15 years to his wife, Jeanie Scott, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Rosella and Gerald Scott; his sister, Jerilyn Charania; and his nephew, Stephan Charania.

Ranae is survived by his niece, Sultana (William) Wood, and nephews, Ramzan (Rukshana) Charania, Kalvin Charania, and Kevin (Michelle) Charania; as well as eight great-nephews; five great-nieces; eleven great-great-nephews; and three great-great-nieces; and many friends, including his longtime friend and partner, Betty Reno. He also leaves behind extended family and friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Ranae leaves his family something especially precious: a connection to the generations that came before them. We will miss his loving nature, his creativity, and the historical stories that brought our ancestors to life. Because of the photographs, history, and memories he so carefully preserved and shared, those stories—and Ranae’s place among them—will continue to be passed from one generation to the next.