Shirley Ransford Banta

Shirley Ransford Banta, 84, of Merom, IN, formerly of Palestine, IL, died at 2:38 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Sullivan County Community Hospital in Sullivan, IN. She was born August 17, 1933 in Williamsport, PA, the daughter of James W. Riley & Frances E. Lambert, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two husbands, William Ransford and Clifford Banta; by two daughters, Teresa Pinner and Tina Hamilton; and by her brother, Carl Riley, Sr. She is survived by her children & their spouses, William & Patty Ransford (Oak Harbor, WA), Tamara & Sonny Brown (Sullivan, IN), and Todd & Jill Ransford (Sullivan, IN); by her step-children, Bob & Karen Banta (NC) and Sandy Banta & her fiancé, Gordon Spencer (Columbus, GA); by her sisters-in-law, Emma Riley (Robinson, IL) and Jody Ransford (Lexington, KY); as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Shirley grew up in the Palestine area and was a 1951 graduate of Palestine High School. She was a dedicated homemaker for most of her life. She also worked for a number of local businesses, from managing the kitchen at the Merom Conference Center to waiting tables for both the Robinson American Legion and the Quail Creek Country Club. She also sold insurance for a time. Away from work, she loved editing old pictures from years gone by. Anyone who knew her could see that her family was her life. They will forever miss her love and selflessness. She was a longtime member of the Merom United Methodist Church and sat on the committee to spearhead the Merom Bluff Chautauqua Festival for many years. It was her wish to be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a later date. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, with envelopes available at the funeral home.