Shirley Marshal Ransom

1925 - 2007

Shirley Marshal Ransom passed away Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007, at City of Hope Hospital of complications from chemotherapy for the treatment of lymphoma.

Shirley was born on July 15, 1925, in San Luis Obispo and grew up in Oakland. She met Roger H. Ransom on his last day of school at University of California, Berkeley, in 1949. They were married on Feb. 12, 1952, as Roger completed pilot training in the U.S. Air Force. They started out married life at March Air Force Base. A year later they transferred to Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota with their first baby. Upon discharge, they settled in Los Angeles (Westchester), where they raised their family of four children. They moved to Camarillo in 1975 when they relocated John H. Ransom Labs, their optics manufacturing business.

Shirley was always busy and could never be found "just sitting around." She took up windsurfing in her 60s and celebrated her 81st birthday with another day of sailing. She was an award-winning professional artist, an avid gardener, and an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, the PEO Sisterhood, the Buenaventura Art Association, and other art associations. Over the years, she also formed many lasting relationships with children beyond her own through foster parenting, leading three Girl Scout troops, hosting three AFS exchange students, and sponsoring children overseas through Compassion International.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 55 years, Roger; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Oscar Fricke of Mission Viejo; sons and daughters-in-law, Ben and Bev Ransom of Davis, Mike Ransom and Sherri Sandberg Ransom of Davis and Jim and Donna Ransom of Modesto; grandchildren Tobin, Kris and Eric Fricke, Chelsea Ransom Le, Holly Bull, Linnea and Sylvan Ransom, and Kateri, Jack and Anna Ransom; brother and sister-in-law, Allen and Linda Marshall; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Tom Daane; and many nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by an amazing multitude of dear friends acquired due to her loving personality, her great abundance of energy and sense of fun, and a wonderful way of connecting with anyone she came to know.

A celebration of Shirley's life is planned for 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2304 Antonio Ave., Camarillo. Assisting the family with arrangements is Conejo Mountain Memorial Park and Funeral Home.