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Forrest Ransdell Obituary
Dale arrived in Armona in October of 1934 and proudly called Armona "home" for the rest of his life. Dale attended Armona Grammar School and graduated from Lemoore High School. Upon graduating from high school, he married the love of his life, Wilna Bray, in 1952. Dale proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957.
Dale was very active throughout all of his life in many community services. He served on many Local, County, and State committees. He was on the Board of the Armona Elementary School District and the Armona Water District. He was a mentor to many troubled teens, helping to turn their lives around to better the community in which they lived. He was also a member of the Hanford Bonsai Society and the Akatsuki Bonsai Club of Fresno as well as the Hanford Masonic Lodge No. 279, F.&A.M. Dale was instrumental in starting the Armona Little League and proudly served as Charter President always marveling at the many children who benefited from his dream. Dale, along with his son, Darren Ransdell and his daughter Pam Raeber founded Kings Mortgage Services, Inc. in March, 1997. He worked there until his retirement in 2003.
He is survived by his wife, Wilna; son Greg Ransdell and wife Donna of Kentucky; daughter Pam Raeber and husband Mike of Visalia; brother Bill Ransdell and wife Rita of Arizona; grandchildren Kari Murray of Hanford; Amy Ransdell of Kentucky; Dana Wales and husband Dustin of Visalia; Mathew Ransdell and wife Katie of Armona; Scott Ransdell of Georgia; and Lee Thomas Ransdell of Kentucky; five great grandchildren, Heather, Caleb, Holly, Brody, and Kyndal; and his adopted family Dan, Melanie, Mekayla, Emily, and Seth Karsten of Hanford. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Darren; his sister, Barbara Koelewyn; and his brother, Neal Ransdell.
Visitation will be held at People's Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, September 13th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 14 at 11:00 A.M., Grangeville Cemetery in Armona; reception immediately following at Lemoore Presbyterian Church Social Hall, 260 B Street, Lemoore.
Donations may be made in Dale's memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 351 Cromwell Ave. Suite 112A, Fresno, CA 93711.
Services are under the direction of People's Funeral Chapel 559-584-5591
www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Forrest Ransdell
Klint, Jennifer, Lyndsie, & Kassie Dieken
September 19, 2011
We are keeping all of you in our prayers.
Vicki (Martella) Salvador
September 19, 2011
I remember Dale when he worked at Tony Borba's gas station across the street from Frank's Market years ago. I was just a little kid, but he always spoke to me and was so nice. My mom and dad thought the world of Dale and you, Wilna. So sorry to hear of his passing. May God bless you and your family and help you to remember all the good times.
Jeanie Copper
September 13, 2011
I'm a cousin from Missouri and I want to send my prayers to Dale's family. It will be a happy reunion in heaven as he reunites with his parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles and other loved ones waiting for him. May you find peace in these difficult days ahead.
September 13, 2011
We want to extend our condolence to all the family of Dale. May the Good Lord give you all comfort. In doing genealogy we found that Dale and my husband were related through several generations back, it is from those Missouri roots.
Our love to all,
Elb and Jan Dillon
Randy Adams
September 13, 2011
In great respect to the most compassionate, caring and humorous man I have known. We are all so blessed to have been given the opportunity to work for and with you. A dedicated husband and father who raised one extraordinary family and still managed to have time for the people he knew. You will truly be missed, but thank you for the happy memories and the honor to call you a friend.
Carol Inman
September 13, 2011
Dale is my first cousin-moms were sisters. Although we didn't see each other much, we kept in email contact. I will miss that. He reminded me of our G-pa whom I never knew, but Dale looked so much like the pics I have. Greg and Pam and Wilna, we love you in MO! Carol
September 13, 2011
To the Dale Ransdell Family, May he rest in Peace. I went to School with Dake,same class of 1951. It was a pleasure that I will cherish seeing him and Kenny Bray at our Lemoore High Reunion this last June. May the love of God be with you at this sad time. [email protected]
September 12, 2011
As a teenager, I spent the night at Dale and Wilna's home on many occasions. Cecil Jackson was a good friend of mine and a cousin of Wilna and Dale. I appreciate that Dale and Wilna opened up their home to me.
Wilna, may God bless you and your family, especially at this time of your loss. I remember Dale as being a good and caring person.
John H. Lee
Kathy Cochran-Fagundes
September 12, 2011
I remember Mr. Ransdall having coffee with my Dad (Bryan Cochran)conducting whatever the business was for the day in our kitchen. Maybe they can again have a cup together in Heaven. God Bless
Mary Massengale
September 12, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Katie Schreiber Peterson
September 12, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
September 11, 2011
I knew Dale all my life. We went to school in Armona for our 8 years in grammar school, (as it was called back in the olden times). We went to Lemoore High school after realizing that people from Armona were not all that popular at Hanford High. Remembering what a good friend you were back then. God Bless your family. Norma Waite Schmidt, Wasco, Ca.
Marty Raeber
September 11, 2011
Thanks for all the happy fishing days...
Vivian Bockelman Griggs
September 11, 2011
I will always remember Dale from putting in a dollar's worth of gas in my car on my way to college everyday to taking care of my Dad the day my Mother died. He was always a good friend. My prayers for Wilna and family.
Bobby & Ruth Schales
September 10, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Donald & Marie Oliveira
September 10, 2011
Growing up in Armona, I knew Dale all my life. Later I had the pleasure of working with him for a short time. He taught me things I was using at my job 20 years later. He was a good man and will be missed. We send our thoughts and prayers.
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