Obituary of Barbara Ransler

Barbara Lutes Ransler, 95, passed peacefully at her home enveloped in the love of her family on December 20, 2024. Born on October 27, 1929, in Florence, KY, she was the fifth of six children; the daughter of the late Roy C. Lutes and Stella [Thompson] Lutes.

A native of Florence and nearly life-long resident, she grew up in a hand-built rustic stone farmhouse off Gunpowder Rd. with her family.  At home, Barbara’s mother passed down sewing and quilt-making techniques held for generations. Barbara attended school in Florence but then graduated from Lloyd Memorial High School in Erlanger after transferring her senior year.  Skilled in practical living as well as book-learning -- Roy and Stella raised their children to be well-educated, insisting on good grades. Barbara began her college studies at the University of Kentucky, completing her Bachelor’s at Miami University. It was during her freshman year at UK that she was introduced to a handsome young student who attended Transylvania University: Charles Ransler, Jr. She and Charles were married in 1948.

Barbara returned to UK to obtain her Master’s of Library Science. After many years as a librarian and media specialist for both Reading City Schools in Ohio and Erlanger Elsmere Independent School District, Barbara retired.

In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed playing piano as well as tap-dancing. She was athletic throughout her life. She was not only a cheerleader, but she could also hold her own on the basketball court and softball field. She adored cheering on her UK Wildcats.  In her golden years, Barbara belonged to several bridge and euchre groups. She remained active in her sorority Alpha Delta Pi as well as the Bettie Carter Morgan Woman’s Club. Naturally, with her professional background, she had cultivated a love for reading over her lifetime. She relished devouring novels of most any genre.  Almost never was there not a book by her side. The family began attending Erlanger Christian Church when Barbara and Charles’ children were young.  Barbara remained a faithful member of the church until her passing; having taught Sunday school, serving as church librarian, active in CWF as well as singing in the choir and serving as a deacon and elder.

Barbara especially loved spending time at their R&R cottage with family and friends; boating, swimming, and playing games (a couple of favorites being Michigan Rummy and Cumberland Knock Knock).

Some might say that Barbara’s life was long and well-lived. Over the course of nearly a century, she accomplished much. While she strove to make the most of her own time here on Earth, she was equally if not more so encouraging and inspiring to others. She was often known to tell those she loved “remember who you are.” With so many memberships, hobbies and talents in her life, one would think that Barbara had room for little else. In that assumption, however, you would be wrong. Barbara’s singular focus in life remained constant: her family.  Her twinkly blue eyes positively sparkled when she talked about them (which was often). She was infinitely proud of each and every one of them.

Barbara was a beloved mother to children Dr. Charles W. Ransler, III (Gail),Barbara Anne Ransler, John (Linda) Ransler; adored “mammaw” to grandchildren Charles “Chip” (Madeleine) Ransler, IV, Dr. Findley (Ryan) Finseth, Abigail (Sammer) Sabri, Anna K. (Tyler) Donati, Paige Ransler, Haley Ransler, and Megan Ransler as well as great-grandmother to Beatrix Finseth, Clementine Finseth, Bernadette Finseth, Charles Ransler, V, Lieselotte Ransler, Della Ransler, Juniper Sabri, Sonny Sabri, Enzo Donati, Eloise Donati and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Ransler, Jr. her parents, and siblings Jean (Brad) Buckshorn, Dr. Thomas (Vivian) Lutes, Dr. Marvin (Martha) Lutes, Mary Schmidt (Dr. William Schmidt), and Ann (Dick) Myers.

Please come to the visitation which will be held for Barbara on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Erlanger Christian Church, 27 Graves Ave. Erlanger, KY, 41018. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM. Directly following this time of visitation there will be a funeral service, also at the church. Following services, Barbara will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, KY.  Memorial donations can be made in Barbara’s honor to the Charles & Barbara Ransler Scholarship, c/o Erlanger Christian Church or to the Stella Thompson Lutes Memorial Endowment c/o Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond, KY 40475.  

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