Pat Ransom

Pat Ransom was a compassionate and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived her life putting others first and selflessly gave her time and resources to the family she so loved. Pat treasured any amount of time spent with her growing family, especially over the holidays. Her unconditional love and warm presence will be deeply missed by her many special friends and loved ones.

1934 saw the turning point of the Great Depression in America, with unemployment decreasing. During the most severe drought in our nation’s history, Edward and Clarissa Smith joyfully welcomed their newborn daughter, Patricia Rose, on December 5th in Jackson, Michigan. Her birth brought much happiness to their family, the youngest of five children.

Growing up in Jonesville, Pat learned the value of a hard day’s work from an early age. She pitched in with daily chores and knew that the sun often set before work was finished on the family farm. In addition to her studies and marching band practice, Pat worked at the local Brown Derby Drive-In. One night during her shift, she met Merlin Ransom, who would change the course of her life forever! He was smitten with her cheerful demeanor, and Pat was fond of his 1939 Ford as well as his outgoing personality. After asking her out several times, she finally agreed, and the rest was history!

Pat was a proud graduate in the Jonesville High School Class of 1953, where she was well-liked by her classmates. Soon after graduation, she enrolled in classes at Western Michigan University. She and Merlin were eager to settle down and married that same year on December 31st at Hillsdale Free Methodist Church. Together they raised four wonderful sons: Steven, Mark, Phil, and Paul. They shared many beautiful memories in their loving home on West Michigan Avenue in Oshtemo Township.

Pat was a natural nurturer, very involved in her children’s lives and activities. For eleven years, she served as the Cub Scout Den Mother and ensured the boys never missed out on any opportunity that came their way. Raising four sons was not without its challenges, yet they knew where she stood in her expectations! Firm yet loving, Pat nurtured them to be independent, honest, and hard-working. An avid cook, she taught them how to make their way in the kitchen and responsibly care for themselves. Pat wanted nothing but the best for her children. Through many courageous acts of sacrifice and love, she supported them in their many endeavors.

As a family, they made many treasured memories together. On two occasions, they took road trips to Florida. Crammed in their Pontiac Bonneville, they visited Disney with a stop at the ocean and once made it all the way to the Keys! No matter the number of miles, they filled every trip with laughter and good fun! By 1972, they purchased a small cottage on Clear Lake in Gobles, which soon became their sanctuary. The boys all loved to fish, and Pat cooked anything they caught! Plenty of boat rides and bonfires made their family stronger. In 1979, after the boys all finished high school, she and Merlin made the cottage their permanent home. Over the years, they made several renovations to accommodate their growing family.

Pat and Merlin graciously hosted the annual Clear Lake Scramble and Fish Fry for 20 years. The event became a highlight of summer’s end, growing to include nearly one hundred friends, neighbors, and family members. Pat was often in the kitchen, making large batches of side dishes to accompany the fish. Her laughter could be heard from the moment her guests arrived. As the crowd grew, Pat never wavered in her ability to put everyone at ease, and a good time was had by all! No matter how tired she was at the end of the day, her heart was full.

Pat enjoyed many pastimes throughout her life. While packing to move from their family home to the cottage, she found an old “Lost in Space” toy. She sold it to someone who turned around and sold it for a profit. Pat’s interest in learning all she could about antiques was born from that moment on! She studied the art of finding treasures at garage sales and flea markets, and soon her own business was launched. She collected and sold antiques for more than twenty years at the antique mall on D Avenue. Her profits went to one cause – splurging on Christmas gifts for her entire family.

Pat always made time for her grandchildren. She enjoyed listening to their many successes and teaching them how to cook and bake. If they were ever stuck in the middle of a recipe, they knew who to call! Some of her family’s favorite dishes were her homemade goulash, savory pot roast, fried chicken, and of course, her delicious cookies and cheesecakes. No one ever went home hungry when they came to grandma’s house!

Pat’s love for Merlin was evident in her tender care for him during his years with Parkinson’s disease. She never left his side and faithfully saw that he received the best care until he passed. By 2018, the house had become too much for her. Pat sold her cherished home where so many beautiful memories were made and moved to St. John’s to be closer to family. However, she continued building precious memories, hosting annual family reunions at her new home.

Described as generous, kind, and loving, Pat leaves behind a rich legacy of strong family ties and living her life to the fullest. May her family lean on the many beautiful memories she leaves behind, and may they find comfort in knowing they were loved beyond measure.

Pat Ransom, a longtime resident of Gobles, Michigan, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, surrounded by family at Bickford of West Lansing. Members of her family include her four sons: Steven and Judy, Mark and Chris, Phillip and Carolyn, and Paul and Mary; eleven grandchildren: Keith and (Christine), David and (Lola), Travis and (Kristin), Matthew and (Elizabeth), Lindsey and (Jim), Stephanie and (Joshua), Justin, Tyler, Kyler and (fiancé, Sarah), Jordan, and Ben; eight great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Annabelle, Elijah, Adora, Clarissa, Sawyer, Eloise, and Olamide. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Merlin, in 2015, and her five siblings: Gene Smith, Martha Morton, Barbara Wing, Gordon Smith, and baby brother, Buddy.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Gobles United Methodist Church, 210 East Exchange Street, Gobles. The family will receive friends one hour before the service and immediately following at a luncheon. Visit Pat’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to sign her guestbook and submit a favorite memory or photo. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, one of Pat’s favorite charities.

Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan (269) 375-2900