Ellen Ransey

It is with great sorrow we announce the death of our mother, Ellen Louetta Ransey. Whether you knew her as Mom, Gram, Sister, Auntie, Cousin, or Friend; if you knew Mom, you loved her.

A 3-time cancer survivor, this last bout claimed her life, but not her spirit as she NEVER stopped fighting and faced every event with courage, kindness, humor, and love. She truly appreciated her life, knowing how precious our time here is.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ellen attended Jones school (currently Community High School), in the historic black community’s 4th ward (current Kerrytown). She played the clarinet as a young girl and was a true Ann Arbor townee, loving all it offered.

In the late 1960’s, Ellen settled into a new developing community on the southeast side of Ann Arbor. Colonial Square is where she raised her 2 children, Beth and Jason. It is also where she had many memories with 2 of her grandchildren, Asia and Justin; who thought Gram was the greatest and went everywhere with her. She absolutely adored all three of her grandchildren and went to California as often as possible to see her youngest, Rebekah. Her family brought her tremendous joy.

Ellen worked for the University of Michigan helping thousands of students along the way. She began in the financial aid office and then transferred to the college of engineering as she continued helping with scholarships for minority students. She dedicated 30 years to helping students achieve their educational goals.

After retirement from U of M, she spent several years working part time at the Meri Lou Murray Rec Center in Ann Arbor. She greeted the early risers with loving kindness and opened the doors there 3 mornings a week.

She left Colonial Square in 2008 to move into Lurie Terrace, a senior high rise, where she stayed until August of 2024. Ellen was the FIRST person everyone that moved in met. She was very active and the social butterfly of Lurie Terrace. She tended to the garden by the tennis courts for years, planting a new flower in honor of each person that passed away. She honored the families by sharing photos of their plants.

Ellen lived with her heart on her sleeve. She cared deeply, was compassionate, generous and always went above and beyond for anyone in need. She has left a legacy of love.

Left to mourn are her son, Jason Rideout (Lenora) and her daughter, Beth Mayhand (Rideout). 3 grandchildren, Asia and Justin Mayhand and Rebekah Rideout. One sister, Karen Lee Rossum (Larry), 2 brothers, Robert and Jonny Whitney; many nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as too many friends to name.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Houston Sr and Rebecca Whitney, 3 sisters: Mary Ann McRae (Harold), Gloria Jean Roseberry, and Patricia Ann Taylor (Sammy), 2 brothers: infant Jonny and Houston Whitney Jr.

Ellen found the love of her life at Lurie Terrace, Edward Taras.They spent 7 wonderful years together before Ed’s passing in 2017. They truly made each other happy and are together now.

Per her request, there will not be a funeral. Ellen donated her body to the University of Michigan Anatomical Program with the medical school. She felt that U of M had given her so much in life, that she wanted to give back, even in death.

Jason and Beth hope to hold a celebration memorial in honor of Ellen’s life in the near future. She did not want a sad event, but one filled with fond memories and stories, love and laughter.

Thank you to Saline Evangelical and Arbor Hospice for the loving care and support you gave these past 3 months. Your kindness and compassion will be remembered. Thank you to Lurie Terrace staff and LT friends Irene, Darlene, Maureen, Kathy, Barb and Linda; for your support during her treatments. Thank you as well to Ed’s loving family Jeff (Steph), Marc, Andrew (Bethany), who kept Ellen close and loved her hugs. Thank you to Wilma, for all the wonderful meals and Sarah Mills for the best apple pies mom said she ever had. There are too many wonderful people to name, but please know Ellen appreciated and loved you all.

Rest easy now Mom, you fought the good fight. You taught us well and we carry on with your love. We thank God for our final moments shared holding you close.