Nancy Ellen Ransom

On August 31, 1944, God placed a bright, joyful soul into this world — Nancy Ellen Ransom — a woman who spent her life noticing beauty where others might have walked past it. Wrapped in the same gentle wonder she carried throughout her days, she returned to God May 13th, 2026.

Nancy married Maynard Eugene Ransom on March 8, 1984, and together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and deep devotion.

A Life of Simple Joys and Big Heart

Nancy delighted in the small wonders of life: balloons drifting in the sky, kite flying, dancing, blowing bubbles, and capturing moments through her camera lens. She had a gift for finding God’s beauty in the everyday, and she shared that beauty generously with others.

Service and Work

Nancy spent many years as a Girl Scout Leader in Dimondale, Michigan, shaping young lives with her kindness and steady encouragement. She worked as a waitress at Metro Bowl in Lansing, and later at Michigan Bell Telephone Company, AT&T, Kids Cab, and Michigan Works. After retirement, she embraced her passion for photography, using her camera to show others the world as she saw it — full of light, color, and grace.

Her Spirit

Nancy had a rare ability to lift others up, always “seeing the rainbow through the rain.” She was the first to lend a hand, the first to offer comfort, and the first to step in when someone needed her. Her compassion, warmth, and gentle humor made her a source of strength for her family and friends.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and joy — a reminder to notice the beauty around us and to share it freely, just as she did.

Carrying on her legacy: Children: Karen Keesler (Lyman), Kristina Wood, Teresa Thocker (Mike), and Michael Ransom (Heidi). Her heart expanded with each new generation. Grandchildren: Nathan, Teagan, Thomas, Brandon, Aaron, Jazmine, Katie, Andrew (“Bubba”), Bailey, and Allie, and many great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy. Also carrying her light forward are her sister, Rebecca Baughn; her brother, Michael Chappell; her nieces, HynJu Chappell and Brooke Chappell; and her nephews, Bromley Chappell, Cameron Chappell and Daniel Chappell.

Meeting her in heaven: Father -Arthur D. Chappell, Mother – Grace Molly O’Connor, Brother Stewart Chappell and Nephew, Marcus Chappell.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday May 21, 2026, at 1 P.M. at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5589 Van Atta Rd., Haslett, MI 48840 with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your charity of choice or one of her favorites: 

Youth Haven Ranch, 3796 Perrine Road, Rives Junction, MI 49277 

 Family Life Radio, PO Box 35300, Tucson, AZ 85740 

St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5589 Van Atta Rd., Haslett, MI 48840