As one granddaughter remarked when she learned the news that morning, “now she’s with Granddaddy and her siblings, plus all of her friends that went before her,” a sentiment that she had already begun to voice.
Em was the youngest of 5 children born to J. Lester Ranson MD and Mary Query Ranson, born December 4, 1929. As a life-long Charlottean, her loyalties to the area ran deep. Her family were some of the original residents on Hermitage Court, and she carried memories of that street, the larger Myers Park neighborhood, and the friends that she made there throughout her life.
Providence Road was an important thread in Em’s life, from her childhood years on Hermitage Court, to her later years when Em and her 4 siblings all lived within blocks of Providence Road along a 2-mile stretch. At the head of that stretch was Myers Park Presbyterian Church (MPPC), which her family joined at its founding and that remained the center of her family’s life for her entire life. Being a household ‘of the era’, Em remembered Sundays on Hermitage Court as a time for church and quiet afternoons, when the phone was not answered, but visitors were welcomed.
Em was educated at Myers Park and Eastover Elementary schools, Alexander Graham Junior High and Central High Schools. She was a proud graduate and supporter of “the WC” (Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, now UNC-Greensboro), where she made more life-long friends. After graduating with a BA in Mathematics, Em returned to Charlotte and began teaching at Piedmont Junior High School and immersed herself in Charlotte single life (rumor has it that her father even gave her a social membership at the then-named Suburban Country Club). (In the 1970’s, Em would return to her teach roots, joining the faculty at Charlotte Latin School. Her years teaching upper school math brought her more new friends, both staff and student.)
As luck would have it, as she re-engaged in Charlotte and particularly with Myers Park Presbyterian, her connections would take her in a new direction. As a child with brothers ranging from 6-12 years older than her, she was probably seen as the “pesky little sister” by them, their friends and other acquaintances. However, as she returned to Charlotte as an adult, she caught the eye of Ed Baesel who had grown up with her brothers. Although Ed was 8 years older than Em (and someone who likely never knew her earlier), he was a recent post-war UNC graduate and also involved with the MPPC singles group. Led by MPPC’s resident “matchmaker” Eleanor Belk, Em and Ed were married at Myers Park Presbyterian in 1957.
Like many other young Charlotte families of the time, the young family moved to Selwyn Village and Ed III was born in 1958. Em and Ed made new friends there, as well as through church and social clubs, as a tighter group of friends began to coalesce. Many of the same women (and when appropriate, husbands) populated her multiple bridge, garden, and supper clubs.
In 1960, daughter Mary was born and the family moved to Placid Place, where more life-long friendships were formed. As her children grew, Em became involved in schools, PTA, as a Girl Scout Leader, youth choir, Sunday School teacher and much more.
Music ran throughout Em’s life and was a source of great joy and satisfaction. Her mother was a piano teacher and she inherited that talent. She joined the Chancel and handbell choirs at MPPC, which brought her immense pleasure for many years of her life. Indicative of her dedication to the music ministry, she spent many Saturday wedding afternoons at the church, turning organ music pages for Bob Stigall as he rolled through Widor’s Toccata, which of course, will close her celebration of life service. And as a Ranson tradition, Em’s and her brother’s families typically were the last to leave any MPPC service, to the point that Ed would close the church doors, saying “no need to be air conditioning the outdoors”.
Throughout her life, Em’s extended family was important to her. Every summer involved a Saturday Ranson reunion at “the river,” plus the occasional trip to the “big reunion” at Huntersville ARP Church. To this day, that reunion still meets yearly, Em last attended in 2022.
In 1992, the first of Em & Ed’s granddaughters was born and they would later be blessed with 3 more. Anna, Sarah, Cara, and Betsey were the light of their eyes, and all continued to visit “Emsie” to her final days as they were able. Family weekend dinners were a big event, Em always holding court with her glass of wine—and hopefully a beloved piece of chocolate, a life-long vice!
In 2005, Em and Ed finally made the decision to leave their home on Overhill Road and began the “inevitable” journey to Sharon Towers. To that point, Em’s mother, sister, brother and sister-in-law all had been residents at one point and Em and Ed had risen to the top of the waiting list yet again (apparently another Ranson tradition). Although they took a detour to Strawberry Hill, Sharon Towers was going to be their new home.
Once there, it is doubtful that either Em or Ed would say that they moved to Sharon Towers too soon. Both dove into new activities and new friendships there, plus many other friends would eventually join them. While Ed found men’s breakfast groups, vespers and field trips, Em found a new competitive bridge environment, the welcome committee and more. As a resident of Sharon Towers once remarked, “she’s the mayor of Sharon Towers…”.
As all of the south Charlotte retirement communities refined their offerings, the opening of a lounge at Sharon Towers brought a brand-new opportunity for friendships to Em and Ed. After Ed’s death in 2013, she found a ready, daily opportunity to chat with her circle of regulars with their favorite libations, under the watchful eye of her favorite employee, Travis.
Although Em’s mobility decreased with her moves through progressive care, her affinity for a glass of wine did not. To the end of her life, Em continued to gather with friends, aided by Mary who would include both old and new friends, for a glass of wine, nuts and of course chocolate, on an outdoor patio or terrace.
When learning of Em’s death, a midwestern in-law remarked, “I will always remember her warm smile and ferocious Southern Loyalty. Truly a Mom from the Greatest Generation,” well said.
Em was preceded in death by her husband, Edward F. Baesel, Jr.; her sister, Elva Ann Sarratt and husband Reed; brothers, John L. Ranson, Jr. and wife Marilyn, R. Query Ranson, and William A. Ranson and wife Margaret (Peg). She is survived by son Ed Baesel III and his wife Ellen, daughter Mary Baesel Romano and husband James (Romano); grandchildren Anna, Sarah and Betsey Baesel and Cara Romano; sister-in-law Mary Nell Ranson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family gives their profound thanks to the loving and caring staff at Sharon Towers that put up with the Baesels for many years.
A celebration of Em’s life will be held at 1:00 Saturday August 17, 2024 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Music Ministry at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, an animal charity of choice or to Sharon Towers Resident’s Assistance Fund.
McEwen Funeral Service – Pineville Chapel is caring for the Baesel family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com
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