Eileen Ranslow

MARLBORO - Eileen Ranslow, 78, of Marlboro and Palm City, FL, died on June 30, at her Florida home. She was born Eileen Margaret Moore in Hempstead, NY, to James A. Moore and Gertrude K. Fryer on August 4, 1942.
Eileen grew up in Valley Stream, NY, and was a precocious athlete. She was the first girl to play in the local baseball league and developed a passion for skiing early on. She spent many weekends as a young woman at Mount Snow, fell in love with the Deerfield Valley, and moved to the area in 1965 to work as a manager at The White House in Wilmington.
On May 9, 1970, Eileen married John “Joe” Ranslow in Long Island, NY. Together they raised their five children in Jacksonville, where they maintained a home. Eileen’s parents also relocated to the area after retirement. Eileen and Joe’s lives were filled with family and friends gathering often.
Eileen and Joe were hard workers. They owned and operated the Wilmington Home Center for many years. Between their personal and professional lives, they took an active role in the Wilmington-Whitingham communities. Eileen served on local business boards and was active within the community at whatever recreational activities their children were involved in. Not being one to sit on the sidelines, Eileen took active roles in many organizations over the years. She served proudly on the Whitingham School Board for many years. She chaperoned many school trips and went on many vacations with a growing family, often bringing a few extras along.
Eileen was very passionate about the game of golf, playing alongside her dad into his 90s. She was most proud of her multiple club championship wins at Haystack GC and the Brattleboro CC. In later years she thoroughly enjoyed year-round golf, belonging to Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club. She was fortunate to have played many courses throughout the US, as well as Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, and Australia.
Without a doubt Eileen’s favorite place on this planet was the Haystack Golf Club where she and Elizabeth Walker, her favorite golf partner, recently donated a 50’ flagpole and where she earned the affectionate title of “Mrs. Haystack.” She served multiple terms on the Vermont State Women’s Golf Association Board. She played in Vermont statewide championships where she placed in the top ten multiple times and twice earned the title of most improved golfer. For many years she was on the Vermont Tri-State Team competing each June against Maine and New Hampshire.
Those who spent time with Eileen knew her for her wonderful laugh and trademark whistle. Her habit of whistling announced her arrival and put a smile on everyone’s faces. Everyone smiled because Eileen made every occasion better just by being Eileen. Every room was happier and more loving because Eileen was in it.
She leaves her dear friend Elizabeth Walker, of Marlboro; sons Cameron Ranslow and David Ranslow, of Jacksonville; daughters Joanne Main, of Bennington, and Karen Shipp of California; her brother John Moore, of New York City; grandchildren Rodney Sprague, Adam Ranslow, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Danny, Walter, Matthew Main, and Halen Ranslow; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Bethany Sprague; and her sisters Catherine Jean Gropper and Janet Ann Moore.
A gathering of remembrance will take place at the Haystack GC in Wilmington on Friday, July 30, 5 to 8 pm. Interment will take place at Kings Cemetery in Marlboro at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire to make a gift in Eileen’s memory they can do so to Grace Cottage Hospital Foundation, c/o Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, Box 215, Wilmington VT 05363.