Marianne Vail Obituary

Marianne Ranzenhofer Vail

December 24, 1954 - November 21, 2024

Marianne Ranzenhofer Vail passed away peacefully in her home in Black Mountain on November 21, 2024. She was born to Marilyn and Jack Ranzenhofer on December 24, 1954. Marianne grew up in Greensboro, NC. She graduated from Grimsley High School where she played the viola in the orchestra. The summer before her senior year, she was invited by the music department to attend Governor's School, a five 1/2 week program for gifted and talented students. She attended Elon College where she studied music. Marianne enjoyed all genres of music and playing the viola was her passion in life. She performed with several orchestras including The Greensboro Youth Symphony, The Greensboro Symphony, and The Montreat College Orchestra where she taught viola to students. She also performed at weddings and other special events. She was a kind, free spirited, shining light to all of her many friends and family. She lived by her motto, "LOVE IS THE ANSWER".

Marianne is survived by her husband, Bobby Vail; her sister and brother-in-law; Melissa and Stuart Gordon; her nieces, Frasier and Jacklyn Block; her grand-niece and nephew, Charlie and Ryker Anderson; Bobby's children, Natalie Vail Bislinghoff, Lacon Vail, Charlie Vail; and five grandchildren. Marianne's numerous friends and family members will hold her memory close to their hearts.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Marianne's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her honor to The Montreat College School of Music.