Randy E. Ransbottom, of Silver Lake, passed away at 12:52 p.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home of Fort Wayne at the age of 73.
He was born on July 11, 1947, in Warsaw, to Franklin S. and June E. Sensibaugh Ransbottom. Randy graduated from Pierceton High School in 1966. Upon graduation, Randy volunteered for service in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam as a wheel and track mechanic and ammo guard. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1969 with the rank of Specialist 4 (E-4).
He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Priscilla "Bess" Poe, on Dec. 20, 1980. They shared 40 magnificent years of marriage together. Randy was especially proud of his four children and three grandchildren (with a fourth "little buddy" on the way). He made many memories and shared many adventures with them throughout the years they were blessed with.
While working at Zimmer in Warsaw, Randy was well-liked and respected by his peers; he made many lifelong friends while he was there. He was proud of the work that he did and retired after 25 years with the company. He was also a member of the North Webster American Legion Post #253 and attended Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God in Silver Lake, where he enjoyed the fellowship of worshiping with his family and church family.
He was always looking out for those that might need help. Randy's kindness was never in doubt. He was a friend to those he knew as well as to strangers. Randy always kept one pocket full of mints for the kids in his life and another pocket full of treats for his granddogs. He loved history, working outside, loved gardening, and he had a love for animals and making sure the birds in his backyard were always fat and happy. Randy marveled at God’s beauty and creation by simply looking at the stars on clear nights and taking it all in. Randy very much enjoyed working on projects around his home, and occasionally he loved finishing them. But above and beyond all of these things, Randy loved the Lord, loved his friends and loved his family. He will be greatly missed by the many that loved him back.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Priscilla Bess Ransbottom, Silver Lake; son, Tony Neal, Silver Lake; three daughters: Shannon (Chris) Trowbridge, North Webster; Donnette (Ryan) Shumacher, Claypool; and Ashley (Mark) Howard, Columbia City; and his four favorite grandchildren: Austin, Sam and Jaclyn Trowbridge and baby Howard due in August. He also leaves behind his mother, June E. Mishler, Warsaw; brother, Dan (Eileen) Ransbottom, Claypool; and three sisters: Sue (John) Zolman, Mentone; Sara (Ron) Richard, Rising Sun; and Pam (Robert) Novak, Warsaw.
He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin S. Ransbottom.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Randy’s life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 25 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Justin Harshman, Pastor Bobby Board and Pastor Frank Whitaker. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw with military rites conducted by the American Legion and active-duty members of the Army Honor Guard.
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Memorial donations in Randy’s memory may be directed to Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God, 303 S. Jefferson St., Silver Lake, IN 46982; or to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
