She was very close with her great‐aunt Amelia Oliver and chose to pursue a career in the field of gerontology after she was placed in a nursing home.
[3] While earning her degrees, Rantz accepted a position at a nursing home before moving to Missouri to follow her husband Wally.
[2] Due to her academic accomplishments, Rantz Chaired the Editorial Review Group specializing in Long-Term Care and Geriatrics from 1997 until 2014.
[5] In recognition of her innovative, collaborative and strategic efforts in implementing Aging in Place, she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2012.
[10] In recognition of her efforts, Rantz was recognized by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Alumni Association with the Lifetime Achievement Award[11] and by the March of Dimes as a "Legend" for her pioneering work in nursing home care quality.