Letha C. "Pete" Ransdell's Obituary
Decatur – Letha C. “Pete” Ransdell, 99, of Decatur, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2014 and entered into the loving arms of Jesus Christ our Savior.
Pete was born November 25, 1914 in Millersville, the daughter of John Edward and Mary Etha (Russell) O’Brien. A 1933 graduate of Pana High School and member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Pete worked at the ammunitions plant in Illiopolis during WWII. She married Philip O. Ransdell on December 7, 1942 in St. Louis, MO; he preceded her in death on May 25, 1987. She enjoyed family reunions, playing cards and she kept a daily diary which she started at a young age. The family has enjoyed reading passages of the old days on the farm and the days of raising her children.
She is survived by her children: Gary (Janet) Ransdell of Decatur, Jim Ransdell of Springfield, and Maureen (Joe) Jesse of Decatur; grandchildren: Phil, Matt, Carrie, Emily, Elise, Sabrina, Tiffiany, and Rusty; step-grandchildren: Lisa, Leslie, Brad, Mike, and Gina; several great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Myrtle O’Brien of Florida; daughters-in-law: Deborah Ransdell and Junell Ransdell; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Pete will join her eleven brothers and sisters in heaven for the best poker game ever. They are brothers: Edward, Francis “Doc”, James, Thomas, Patrick, William, and Joseph; sisters, Telena, Rita, Sister Venard (Rosalie) O.S.F., and especially (Pete & Re-Pete) Mary. Also preceding her in death are grandsons: Rhett and Ryan Ransdell.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2014 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home; vigil prayer service will be at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Pete’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Assumption. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, St. Teresa High School or donor’s choice.
Special thanks to: Leslie Creason, Dr. Gregory Totel and his nurse Linda.
The Ransdell family is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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