"Our deepest condolences to your family at this time of loss. I have so many great childhood memories visiting Uncle Ron and Aunt Millie, one of my favorites was fresh squeezed orange juice, there was also this, I would say Plinko machine on the wall that I loved. About 15 years ago I went back to CA on a business trip and went and visited with Ron, I loved every minute of it.. They were very good people. My fondest memory was how they were always so sweet to each other and made you feel so welcome in their home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bruce Browning (Frances grandson)"
In loving memory of
Ronald George Ranson
May 18, 1918 - February 4, 2011
Ronald George Ranson Sr., 92, a resident of Whittier since 1957, died peacefully at his home February 4, 2011 after a brief illness.Born in Ogden, Utah in 1918 to George and Eathel Ranson, Ron was the loving husband of Mildred Ranson for 59 1/2 years. Mildred passed away in 1999. Ron leaves his children Ron Ranson Jr. of Leucadia, California; Richard P. Ranson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Judith Sanders of La Habra, California.Additional survivors include his 7 grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew, Aubrey, Timothy and Clay Ranson and Marisa and Kenneth Sanders; his son-in-law Joseph Sanders of La Habra, daughters-in-law Donna Park Ranson of Colorado Springs, and Nicola Ranson of Leucadia. Ron has 6 great-grandchildren (Briseida, Gabriel, Kaya, Noah, Landry and Rosalind) and a large extended family. Ron attended Ogden High School and upon graduation hitch-hiked to California to find work in the depression years. During the war years he worked at the Standard Oil refinery in El Segundo. He went on to be the Director of Building and Grounds for the El Segundo Unified School District. Ron and his family moved to Whittier in 1957 when he became the Director of Building and Grounds for the Whittier City School District. He was a master craftsman in wood and metal and could make or repair just about anything. This past Fall he built a series of wooden rocking horses for his great-grandchildren from the same design he created when he built the first ones 34 years ago for his grandchildren.He only missed a couple of days of work in his life time.Ron was fond of: any kind of rail transportation (his father was a train engineer in Utah), a good piece of pie, chicken fried steak, roast beef, root beer floats, his roses and flowers of all varieties, a good movie, musical theatre, satellite music channels, the music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, poetry, books, a good cup of coffee, fresh corn-on-the-cob, dogs, tamales, homemade chili, cling peaches on his cereal, his cars and trucks. He loved figuring out things. In these last few years he was frustrated when he had outlived the 'lifetime' warranties of many of his appliances and tools. While living in Whittier, Ron and Mildred spent many memorable years traveling the United States in their trailer. Both were active members of the Christian Character Builders' Sunday school class of the Whittier First United Methodist Church and he continued to be active at the church until the end. He was also an active participant of the Whittier YMCA's Travel Club and enjoyed the programs and travel opportunities with the group. During the 60th anniversary year of the D-Day landings in Europe he made a trip of a lifetime to visit the key invasion beaches of France. He placed a memorial wreath on the grave of his next door neighbor from Utah who was killed on D-Day. In 2010, together with his friend Virginia La Bare, he fulfilled his desire to cruise through the Panama Canal. He was, at all times, a gentleman.A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday February 13, 2011 at the Whittier First United Methodist Church.In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Memorial Fund of the Whittier First United Methodist Church, 13222 Bailey Street, Whittier CA, 90601. Phone (562) 698-0022.Please leave a note for the family on the White Emerson Memorialization website.
Tributes
"My father, Bob Feeny built our house on a dirt street across from the Ransons in 1949/50. I was 6 and spent many years playing in their backyard and at the Center Street School ground just built from a dairy farm next door. Ron & Mildred enjoyed having the kids in their yard. Ron Jr. was the film director for many plays put on in the Club House. I am the only person left in the neighborhood, as Ransons neighbor Johnny Lehman just moved to Carlsbad to be near his sister. I hope that Ransons enjoyed my yearly Christmas letters. Always, Sharon"
"Our deepest condolences for your great loss. We know your Dad and Grandad will be greatly missed. We love you. Molli and Arthur"
"It was a privilege to have him as a Dad, albeit just for 13 years. How my own father, had be lived, would have loved to have joined Ron in his workshop for some carpentry: sawing and jawing. I am so impressed with how his actual kids, Ron, Rick and Judy, gave their father all his last wishes. He died so well loved, respected and tended. He clearly reaped what he had sowed: love, respect, dignity, caring and grace. As was put in the tribute, a gentleman indeed."
"Ron Jr, Rich Judy. and the Ranson familyWe send our heart felt sympathy and prayers to you. We have only known Ron for about ten years but in that time our world has been enriched with deep friendship, joy and love. Our only regret is we had not known Ron for many more years than that. He has left you with a world of loving memories. Take care and be well."
"Thinking of you and your family.Its wonderful to have people to celebrate your fathers life with.Much Love."
"Judy, Joe and the entire Ranson Family:Out heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you, how fortunate you are to have had your father for such a long life. We have very fond and loving memories of Ron.Love and with our deepest sympathy,Bruce & Barbara"
"We are sad to hear of Rons passing. We valued him as a friend and enjoyed his company at the Whittier First Methodist Church, at the Y Travel Club and other friendly gatherings."
"Dear Ron, Nicola, Andy, Tim and Family,We were very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ron, Sr.impressed us with his thoughtful calmness, friendly personality and his ever smiles. We enjoyed conversa-tions with him whenever our paths crossed. We knew that he was very proud of you, Ron. May the memory of a life well lived and his contributions to your family, friends and the community be comfortingto you at this difficult time.With deepest sympathy,Yosh and Grace"
"Judy, Joe and all the Ranson family,My heart and thoughts are with you. How lucky you are to have had your dad with you for so many years. I still miss mom and think of her every single day . With Rons passing , its the end of an era. love to all, marietta"
"The world is a smaller and more quiet place. It was a privilege and honor to have known Ron and worked with him - our condolences to all.It is the will of God and Nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life; tis rather an embrio state, a preparation for living; a man is not completely born until he be dead: Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals? -Benjamin Franklin"
"Sending love and sympathy to Judy, Joe, Kenny and Marisa and all the Ranson family. How lucky you are to have had such a wonderful father/grandfather. Thinking of you. Love, Jill"
"A great tribute to a wonderful man. Uncle Ron has been there as a gentle presence all my life. One of my first memories is visiting him in the hospital after he suffered a back injury. Never complaining, as was to be true all his life.More recently, as I have said before, he always had a good up of coffee ready, and if he was at my house he would urge me to be sure it was strong.We will all miss him greatly."