Mary Margaret Carr Ransom

Mary Margaret Carr Ransom, cherished wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed peacefully on June 18, 2009. Mary Margaret was a native Texan, born in Floresville on August 3, 1925, to Samuel Brown Carr and Mary Ida Wallace Carr. The fourth child of the family, she shared a carefree and explorative childhood with her three brothers and one sister. As a child, she relished the outdoors and was said to have chosen the adventuresome and fearless path more often than not. Nicknamed "Scotchie," little Mary Margaret always saved a little extra money to share with others. She loved to visit her dad at the Wilson County Courthouse where he presided as District Judge. Her lifelong Methodist faith took root in Sunday school, where she earned a perfect five-year attendance award. Mary Margaret was a personable and versatile leader at Floresville High School. She played clarinet in the marching band, served as class president all four years, played volleyball and baseball, and wrote humor for the school paper. Her classmates described her as an energetic, hardworking, and loyal friend with a great personality and sweet smile. Mary Margaret entered The University of Texas at Austin at the onset of World War II. Her two older brothers shipped overseas to serve in Europe, and most of the boys in her classes soon left for the war as well. While Mary Margaret felt she should leave college to serve the war effort, her family convinced her to continue her education. She followed the war closely and worked her way through college. Mary Margaret worked in the Main Tower Library; she shopped, cooked, and cleaned for her residence co-op; and entertained at sorority parties with her exquisite whistling. She was honored as a Bluebonnet Belle Nominee and received her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1945. The day after her college graduation, Mary Margaret flew to New York City to train for a position in the Airline Passenger Services Department of Eastern Airlines. She was assigned to their Houston office in the Rice Hotel and always talked fondly of her love of giving the kind of service to others she liked to receive herself. During these years, she enjoyed her independence and soon met a tall, handsome engineer named Elliott Ransom. They fell in love, married in August of 1948, and made their home in Houston. Mary Margaret's love of adventure, deep faith, sense of humor, and ever cheerful disposition were the foundation of her marriage and nurturance of her five children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. For over 30 years, Elliott worked long hours to provide for the family. Mary Margaret was his primary support, grounding rod, executive wife, and financial manager. Mary Margaret and Elliott enjoyed 60 years of marriage. They worked hard, danced well, and traveled far. Their dedication and generosity to others is legend. Mary Margaret wrote the book on mothering and home management. Leading by example, she was energetic and innovative in her day-to-day planning and managing of family life. She was a master encourager, helping her children to recognize their God-given gifts. She nurtured and guided them as they acquired life skills and knowledge to complement their gifts--lighting their individual paths to fulfillment. Ever the Scotchie, she taught her children how to manage money while still enjoying life. She infused her parenting with humor and wisdom. Her radiant smile and laughter were infectious and inviting. Her advice was sometimes sobering and always inspiring. She read her Bible daily and shared her inspirations. She faced challenges and taught perseverance. She believed in the power of the mind and spirit to navigate through life's darker passages. She gave to her family from a deep well of unconditional love that flowed from her enduring faith in God. As her family grew, she extended her incredible spirit to her children's spouses, grandchildren, and extended family. In fact, she gave much to everyone she met. Mary Margaret (who came to be known as Ema by her family) and Elliott (Epa) "retired" to their Cedar Creek Ranch in 1988. Ema joked that she ran a hotel at the ranch home for all the family visits and gatherings; and indeed, she did. She loved a party and planned many. She became active in the Cedar Creek United Methodist Church. She also pursued her interests in education, preventative health, mental health, human motivation, practical applications of Christianity, the stock market, the space program, and the Texas Longhorn football team. In her final years, Mary Margaret found delight in watercolor, pastels, and music while residing at the Park at Beckett Meadows and An Angel's Place. Her melodious, perfect-pitch whistling talent re-emerged, earning her the nickname "The Whistler" at age 81. Her caregivers enjoyed her company immensely. The twinkle in her eyes, her engaging smile, and her glimmers of humor and kindness were there for them- just as they always were for family, friends, and strangers. Mary Margaret Carr Ransom will be remembered for her deep abiding faith in God and His Word, and for her determination and strength of character--beautifully balanced by her warm and sweet personality. She is survived by her daughter Margie and husband Daryl McCloskey of Cedar Creek; son Elliott E. "Sonny" Ransom of Cedar Creek; daughter Joan and husband Sam Carruthers of Austin; son William Howard Ransom and wife Cid of McKinney; son Daniel Grier Ransom and wife Chris of College Station; brother Sam B. Carr and wife Judy of Cocoa Beach, Florida; sister Sue and husband Jack Day of Abilene; brother John D. Carr and wife Janet of Houston; sister-in-law Audrey Carr of San Antonio; sister-in-law Jane and husband Gerald Creasy of Houston; grandchildren: Katie, Mike, and Daryl McCloskey Jr. and wife Michelle, Eric, Kyle, Brian, and Jordan Ransom, Hayden, Joseph Brittain, and Russell Elliott Ransom; great-grandchildren: Brett, Scottie, Lila, and Kayleigh McCloskey; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Mary Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elliott E. Ransom, Jr.; brother Joe A. Carr; mother Mary Ida "Dessie" Carr; and father, Judge Sam B. Carr. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 2620 S. Congress in Austin, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel (2620 S. Congress) with a supper reception immediately following the service. A graveside service will be held at the Upper Cedar Creek Cemetery at 7:00 p.m. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Mary Margaret, our Ema, with so much devotion and love over the past several years. We especially thank Olga and Elena and the exceptional caregivers and staff at the Park at Beckett Meadows, An Angel's Place, and Hospice Austin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Creek United Methodist Church (PO Box 33, Cedar Creek, TX 78612), Cedar Creek Cemetery Association (PO Box 54, Cedar Creek, TX 78612), or Hospice Austin 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759).