Joanne P. Ranshaw

Joanne P. Ranshaw, 92 of Brookeville, MD passed away on March 2, 2025 embraced by her daughter, Carolyn and granddaughter, Jenny. Daughter of the late Katherine (Kovalchick) and Charles Pascoe. Predeceased by her husband Richard Wayne Ranshaw and brother Charles Pascoe. Survived by her brother John (Sara) Pascoe of Raleigh, NC,; her four children Richard W. (Cheryl) Ranshaw, Jr. of Ohio, David K. Ranshaw of Mt. Airy, MD, Charles E. Ranshaw of West Virginia, and Carolyn (Joe) Bonifant of Mt. Airy, MD. Also survived by eight grandchildren; Lisa (Correy Naypaver), Kerri, Dick III (Ashley), Tommy (Katie), Travis (Kendra), Kerrigan Ranshaw, Madison (Ethan Graham), and Jenny (Professor Doctor Simon Ho) and Chase Bonifant, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Joanne was born during the “rock bottom depression” in California, Pennsylvania. She had a large extended family that was active in the Russian Orthodox Church. She shared a special relationship with her Aunt Martha Wrublesky (who is one year younger than her) and Uncle John Kovalchick. Many of her uncles served in World War II and her life was impacted by the historical events of her childhood.

As a young lady she prayed for a husband and her prayers were answered when Richard (Dick) W. Ranshaw moved to town. She earned her bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania, and later her master’s degree from the University of Maryland. Joanne and Dick moved to Maryland in the 1950’s and brought their home on Gregg Road in June of 1964. Joanne taught kindergarten at Laytonsville Elementary School for over 30 years. She served with great energy, cleanliness, creativity, and compassion. She and Pat Rakes received recognition for their teaching on Georgia O’Keefe and “Paint like Matisse”unit. Along with Pat she was brave enough to teach an entire kindergarten class how to purchase a ticket and ride the new metro in Washington, DC.

She was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church for over 50 years. She taught Sunday school, summer camps and VBS.  She had a special love for music and was a talented pianist. She also maintained the church garden’s well into her 80’s with the help of her daughter, Carolyn. She loved her community and little church.

Joanne never stopped learning or enjoying the gift of music. We are grateful to Rose Eide-Altman who continued to challenge and work with her for years after Pop passed.  Joanne loved her time learning with Rose. Even in her 90’s she was thrilled to take ukulele lessons with Alan Naylor. Despite their teacher’s best efforts, three generations of Ranshaw women attempted to learn together with minimal success.

She shared her love of art, music, gardening, travel, and literature with her grandchildren. They will all fondly remember special trips to DC (museums, memorials, and theater), The Baltimore Zoo, and OCMD. She was a generous, kind, and humorous grandmother.

A special thank you to Nancy, Catherine, Jaquie and Rev Emily of the knitting crew who were faithful friends during her years as a widow.

She spent over 50 years at her beloved home on a beautiful winding country road. Her last 15 months were spent at Country Meadows, Frederick, Maryland. She adjusted to life’s hard changes with grace and humor embracing the staff as her family. This past summer she spent an afternoon at Paradise Stables with her grandchildren and some beautiful horses. With heartfelt gratitude we thank the Country Meadows team led by Bertha Chomba who cared for our grammy as if she were their own.

Relatives and friends may visit on Friday, March 14 from 6pm to 8pm at the Roy W. Barber Funeral Home, Laytonsville, MD. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 15 at 11am at Salem United Methodist Church, 12 High St. Brookeville, MD 20833. Interment will be at Salem Brookeville Cemetery.

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