Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Ransom, Gordon 2008
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Marilyn Ransom mransom311@gmail.com June 1, 2015, 8:17 pm

The Ionia Sentinel-Standard, November 7, 2008


Gordon Ransom, age 89, of Ionia passed away peacefully at his home on November 
4, 2008.

Gordon Ransom was the fourth of five children born to Oliver R. and Amanda J. 
(Howard) Ransom.  He was born on May 27, 1919 and christened Russell Gordon, 
being called Gordon by his mother at an early age which continued throughout 
his lifetime.  Gordon was raised on a farm north of Ionia and later resided in 
the city.  He attended rural schools and graduated from Ionia High School in 
1937.

Gordon met Barbara Griswold in 1939 and it was love at first sight.  They were 
married on December 30, 1939 in Portland, Michigan.  They were blessed with two 
sons but the advent of World War II soon affected their family.  Ten days 
following the birth of their second son Gordon reported for duty with the Army, 
not to return home for three years.    

After the war Gordon returned to his family in Ionia and began employment in 
various occupations ranging from milk delivery to salesman.  Most of Gordon’s 
life was spent in automobile sales including ownership of his own dealership 
for a short time in Belding.  Following his retirement he and Barbara moved to 
Edinburg, Texas where they resided for ten years.  The onset of Barbara’s 
health problems prompted their return to Michigan  where Barbara died on 
November 30, 1999.

Gordon enjoyed numerous hobbies over the years beginning with an interest in 
motorcycles as a young adult.  He and Barbara were members of the Ionia 
Motorcycle Club in the late 1930s and early 1940s, enjoying many excursions 
throughout Michigan on their Harley-Davidson bikes.  Following the war years 
the family enjoyed boating and water skiing, and in later years cruising on 
Lake Michigan in their cabin cruiser, the Michiguma (Indian for Land of Many 
Lakes).  Retirement also found them pursuing golf while in Texas, a sport 
Gordon enjoyed for the remainder of his life along with bowling on the senior 
league.  To conquer his fear of flying, Gordon took flying lessons in the mid 
1960’s, eventually earning his pilot’s license and the enjoyment of flying his 
Cessna in the years to come. 

Gordon is survived by his sons David (Evelyn) of Lyons and Richard (Marilyn) of 
Ionia, four grandchildren, Susan Ransom (husband Jared Collins) of Ann Arbor, 
Cheryl (Michael) Burdo of Grand Rapids, Pamela Stowell and Michael Ransom, both 
of Ionia; and three great-grandchildren, Troy Stowell, Jennifer Stowell, and 
Megan Ransom.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  He was 
preceded in death by his parents; his wife Barbara, two brothers, Howard and 
Kenneth Ransom; and two sisters, Bernice Reyburn and Thelma Gustafson.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian 
Church in Ionia with Pastor Robert Nixon officiating.  There will be a 
visitation at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.  Anyone 
wishing may make memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church in care of 
Lake Funeral Home - Ionia.


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