Betty Ransom

Betty Mae Ransom was born September 9, 1926, the daughter of William and Clara Ress Hammer. She passed away Saturday, December 28, 2013, at the Manilla Manor in Manilla, Iowa, at the age of 87.
Betty was born in Denison, Iowa. She received her education at Zion Lutheran School in Denison. After finishing her education Betty worked as a cook and baker at the Community Caf, PlayMor Caf, and the Bakery, all in Denison. On July 16, 1953, she was united in marriage to Clarence Ransom Jr. The couple made their home in Vail, Dow City, and finally Denison. Together they did cleaning at the Ritz Theater. In 2009, Betty entered the Manilla Manor.
Betty enjoyed farm life, being outdoors tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, canning her produce, the horses and going for rides in the car. Betty enjoyed sewing and doing latchhook. She made clothes for her family and was always ready to help when something needed mending. Betty loved to be at home and was an excellent cook, especially when it came to baking bread, rolls, and cookies. She took great interest in Denny’s races and always kept up on the racing reports. Betty liked to listen to polkas and country western music. In more recent years she began working crosswords and doing puzzles. Betty was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Clarence in 1992; one daughter-in-law, Debra Ransom; three brothers: Melvin, Arthur, and Don Hammer; and two sisters: Elizabeth Rabon and Marcella Bral. Survivors include two sons: Denny Ransom and his wife, Debby of Irwin, Iowa; and Cary Ransom of Harlan, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Carmen Josefson and her husband, Matt of Irwin; David Reisberg of Colorado; Mick Ransom and his wife, Tonya of Omaha, Nebraska; Troy Ransom and his wife, Andrea of Harlan; LaVonne Ransom of Irwin; Willie Ransom and his wife, Ashley of Irwin; Lee Johnson and his wife, Ashlee of Omaha, Nebraska; Shae Henkelman; and Billi Henkelman; both of Irwin; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Luella Pelly of Omaha, Nebraska; other relatives and friends.