ELIZABETH ESTHER (FULLER) RANSIER

Elizabeth Esther Ransier, 87, passed away at her home on Thursday, September 19, 2019 surrounded by her children, caregivers, friends and faithful “grandchild” Scamper.  She was born to Frank and Ida Fuller on June 10, 1932 in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.  She was the youngest and only girl, and graduated from Fergus County High School in 1950. 

Elizabeth married the love of her life Lewis “Pete” Ransier shortly after graduation on June 18, 1950 at White Sulphur Springs.  They had a 66 year partnership that lasted until his death in 2017.  They moved to “Old” Rexford in 1951.  The 1950’s were busy years for the newlyweds.  While Pete worked, they built a comfortable and fondly remembered home and had 3 of their 4 children.  They became charter members of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church and worked diligently to help recruit the first full time Lutheran pastor for the Eureka area.  Elizabeth and Pete were baptized together on September 12, 1954.  They worked many volunteer hours and helped to build the current church.  Elizabeth also taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and in later years played the organ for church services.

The family, like many others, had to relocate when “the damn dam”, as they often said, was built at Libby.  They built a new home on Pinkham Creek in 1968.  There in her dream home, Elizabeth put to work her passion for gardening.  Although told by many people that no one could grow flowers on Pinkham Creek, she produced a vibrant yard.  Spring and summer brought a vivid display of colors and the air was filled with the fragrant aromas. Peonies, lilacs, iris and hollyhocks thrived.  She was especially proud of her English Garden of lilies, red and yellow roses, dahlias and gladiolas.  They would spend many hours on the deck enjoying the many species of birds and butterflies that also came to enjoy the flowers and fruit trees.  Elizabeth delighted in hosting numerous tea garden parties for the Garden Club.

Elizabeth kept busy helping Pete on the farm.  A meticulous bookkeeper with a sharp eye on expenses, her favorite time of year was Christmas tree season.  She would provide fresh baked cookies, apple cider and hot chocolate for the families that came to select a tree to take home.

Elizabeth loved her poodles Tinker, Taffy, Charlie, Teddy Bear and most of all Scamper.  She was an avid collector of bone china tea cups, many of which she bought in Canada and England.  She had a natural ability in toll painting originals and playing piano and accordion.  Many Christmas mornings, her family awoke to a full organ concert of Christmas music.  She had a passion for reading that was an inspiration to her children and led to many years of involvement with the library.

Elizabeth painstakingly restored by hand many beautifully crafted pieces of antique furniture.  She enjoyed sewing and baking the best homemade bread, but had to reluctantly give them up in later years due to arthritis.

Elizabeth and Pete spent many exciting years as members of The Good Sam’s Club and traveled across much of the west and midwest.  Their favorites were two trips to Branson, Missouri. They attended shows by famous and not so famous country performers.  Box Car Willy and Charlie Pride were talked about a lot at the end of each trip.

Elizabeth was active in the community serving as President of the Women’s Missionary League; director of Baking and Canned Goods at the county fair; Library Board Representative for Eureka; and President of the Garden Club.  A longstanding Friend of the Library, she enjoyed the events and the people she met and worked with.  She hoped her contributions helped others to use and appreciate the local library.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her one and only love, Pete Ransier.

Survivors include her children Don, Susan, Karen and Dave.  Well done mom.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2019 at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Eureka followed by services at 2:00 p.m. at the Tobacco Valley Cemetery.   A reception will follow at the VFW in Eureka from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  A memorial service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) LCMS in Central Point, Oregon at a later date. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.  Memorials may be made to Eureka Public Library or the Animal Shelter.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.