Vanaye Elaine Ransom

A long time resident of Fresno, CA, Vanaye Elaine Ransom, age 84, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, in Fort Worth TX, where she had relocated in 2024 to be in the care of her daughter, Dawn Ella.

Born on August 4th, 1941, in Exeter, CA, Vanaye was the third of eleven children born to Howard D. Ransom and Maybel D. (Linhares) Ransom. Her childhood was shaped by the joy of a large family who lived close to God and close to the land. She and her siblings grew up in a loving, faith filled household in Caruthers, CA, where she attended school.

As a teen, she was a social butterfly and shined in extracurricular activities. She cheered as a yell leader, played glockenspiel bells in marching band, won farm animal showmanship awards and was part of the Caruthers Fair Queen's Court. She was a natural leader, always accepting and uplifting of others. After graduation, Vanaye enrolled in Fresno City College and earned her LVN degree in Nursing.

In 1962, Vanaye married Ellie LaRon (Ron) Cash, and together they had 3 children: LaRonda Elaine, Martin Shane and Dawn Ella. She worked for many years as an LVN nurse, focusing primarily on geriatric nursing at Clovis Community Hospital. She also worked in general nursing for Dr. Wilkinson’s office in downtown Fresno.

After most of her children were raised and on their own, Vanaye returned to CSU Fresno and earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing. She continued working as a Registered Nurse at San Joaquin Gardens, Central Valley Indian Health and Fresno County Department of Public Health until she retired at the age of 67.

A devout Catholic, Vanaye is primarily remembered for her strong faith, daily recitations of the Holy Rosary, and abundant contributions to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fresno, CA. There, she helped set up the altar for mass, often volunteered as a church reader, and helped count and record church offerings. She was also a catechist who helped others, especially children, to understand and grow in the Catholic faith. She was a godmother and confirmation sponsor to many.

Vanaye was not one to seek recognition or reward, but was dedicated to the quiet, steadfast giving of herself for the well-being of others. She has often been said to be the reason many family members, friends and patients made it through their hardest moments. She was the kind of person and nurse that not only tended to bodies, but to hearts and spirits as well. Her unwavering dedication to Jesus shined through in every act of care. She was a living testament to a life devoted to service.

Vanaye is also remembered as a loving mother, mother-in-law, Grammer, great-Grammer, sister, auntie, Godmother, cousin, co-worker and friend. She often initiated play and games as a way to welcome and include, and she was an animated storyteller who kept us entertained with songs, theatrics and exciting tales of her various adventures and worldly travels with family and friends during her retired years.

Vanaye is warmly remembered for her openness, kindness and approachability; the extension of her hands and service to the poor and needy; her selflessness, support and ongoing generosity; her zucchini bread and her love of trees; her joy of playing Mexican Train and 'Portagee Poker' with the family; her love for babies (born and unborn), new mothers and children; her strength, resilience, ability to adapt and especially to forgive.

She was not only the family nurse, but also a wise mentor and teacher. She had the ability to make people feel accepted, cared for and loved in spite of their flaws or shortcomings, which made her a favorite among many.

Along with her three children: LaRonda, Martin and Dawn, she is survived by two son-in-laws: Brent and John; five grandchildren: Emma, Hope, Bailey, Paul and Maximus; seven great-grandchildren: Sophia, Olive, Addisyn, Holden, Carter, Jackson & Salem; and five of her siblings: Linda, Carol, Norrine, Kathy and Tom.

Vanaye is proceeded in death by her parents, Howard and Maybel, her sister Teresa, and her brothers Lenell, Fulton, Delbert and Michael.