Roanne “Ro” Rayner

Roanne “Ro” Ruth Rayner, of Wilkes – Barre, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. Born in Scranton on January 11, 1956 to the late Robert and Esther Calderone Rayner, the family moved to Clarks Summit where she was a graduate of Abington Heights High School Class of 1973 and the York Academy of Arts where she completed her education in graphic design. Ro was the owner and creative Art Director of Studio Ro. In addition to operating her own design studio, Ro also had held the positions of Art Director for WYOU – TV and the Wyoming Valley Healthcare System. She received multiple awards for her work throughout the years and used her talents to help several non-profits advance their cause.  She was known for her fun loving spirit and affection for her dog Sweetie Pie.  

She is survived by two brothers: Robert Rayner, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Coatesville and Dr. Richard Rayner and his wife Leslie of Middletown, PA; three nephews Joshua Stratton-Rayner and his wife Ashley of Philadelphia, Stephen Rayner and his wife Ruth of Broomfield, CO; and Jason Rayner, San Francisco; a newly born great nephew, Luca Stratton-Rayner; and many Calderone cousins. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 2, at 3:00pmin the Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St. Scranton, Pa 18510. Friends may call from 2:00pm until the time of service. 

Cremation to follow at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel. 

For directions, to share a memory, or to send a condolence for the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com

4 Comments

  1. Nancy Flesch

    Roanne “Ro” Ruth,
    You were a remarkable person. Someone I will never forget and happy that we were longtime friends. There was “Ro” talk, which our parents were tired of hearing but we had so much fun talking like this. My favorite memories were yelling outside your bedroom window, “can you come out and play”, singing Exodus, while you so eloquently played it for me and always, cleaning/eating the huge turkey carcass, at my family’s kitchen table and your family’s kitchen table. Some of the happiest days, for me, always spending the day with you.

    Rest In Peace my friend. I will miss you bunches.
    Nancy “Fleschy” Flesch

  2. Penny Lindgren Nicholas

    Very sad to receive this news. I send my sympathy to Ro’s family. I worked with her years ago at WYOU. It was a really creative place to begin with and Ro contributed oodles of her own artistic ability and worked tirelessly. She was always kind to me and a lot of fun. I’ve been away from the area for a long time but I’m sure she continued to brighten up the spirits of all of those around her. Glad
    I was one of the lucky ones to swing through her orbit.

  3. Robert E. Rayner, Jr.

    Thanks to everyone who shared their sympathies with me and my brother Richard during this sudden and sad time for us. My sister loved everyone she met, and her outgoing, energetic spirit often masked many issues she harbored within herself that only her immediate family would know. I’m comforted in realizing just how many positive contributions she made to the people and places that surrounded her! I appreciate the love and compassion that you all showed to Roanne throughout her life, and to my brother and me during this difficult time. God bless you all!

  4. Karen O'Connor

    Dear Rob and Rayner family,

    Ro’s obituary was shared today with members of the class of 1973, hence this late entry of mine.
    I am so very sorry to hear about Ro’s passing.

    I last saw Ro in 2013 at our 40th class reunion and we talked for a long time, laughed a lot; danced a dance or two. We had a really nice time together. I missed her presence at the 45th but looked to the 50th to see her and to dance again.

    I am sorry that you and your brother have lost such a wonderful sister, Rob.
    I think Ro was a bright and shining force in this world of ours.
    She will be missed.

    Karen O’Connor

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