Sandra “Sandi” Kay Ransom (nee Fast) of Riverton passed away on December 8, 2024 at the age of 82 at Brookdale Senior Living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A celebration of her life will be held in Summer 2025 at MountainView Cemetery in Riverton.
Born on August 23, 1942 to Ernest “Speed” and Caroline Fast (nee Gullekson) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sandi attended both primary and secondary school in Pinedale. In November 1960, Sandi married Wayne Ransom, living for a time on a ranch near Big Piney, Wyoming before ultimately settling in Riverton in 1964. Sandi and Wayne had four children: Rebecca “Becky,” Shane, Shannon, and Allan. After the passing of Wayne and Becky in 2022 and 2023, Sandi moved to Colorado Springs to be close to her remaining children.
A longtime employee of School District 25, she is most remembered as the Jefferson Elementary School nurses’ aide. However, she also enjoyed teaching art at Jefferson and took art courses herself at Central Wyoming College. Her murals could be seen for many years at Jefferson Elementary in the hallways and classrooms. Sandi’s faith as a Christian was a deeply significant part of her life—she was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church and then First Baptist Church while in Riverton. In particular, she had a special place in her heart for those doing mission work.
After retirement, Sandi continued her love of teaching art by leading craft projects at the Senior Center in Riverton. A fantastic cook, her handwritten recipes often instruct you to “add to taste”, in lieu of any measured amount, much to the chagrin of those trying to duplicate her creations.. Often, she could be found commiserating with friends and family over a lively game. She had a love of playing cards, such as Pinochle and Progressive Rummy. Always ready with a smile and a hug for those who needed it, she shared joy whenever she could. Whether the result of a relatable story from her life or a routine from one of her favorite humorists, her laughter was always infectious. Sandi was talented in many things, but rising above the others was her abundant kindness and generosity. Her door was always open to those in need. No matter how busy she was, Sandi always provided comfort, guidance or assistance.
Sandi was preceded in death by her husband Wayne, daughter Becky, and brother Larry Fast. She is survived by: son Shane Ransom, daughter Shannon Gwyn, son Allan Ransom; grandchildren Kimberly Padilla, Jennifer Angulo, Alric Schmidt, Lindsay Ransom; and many loving great-grandchildren.
As the song “Mansion Over the Hilltop” says: “I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop; in that bright land where we’ll never grow old. And someday yonder we will never more wander, but walk on streets that are purest gold.”