Martha Harriett Hathaway Ransom's Obituary
Martha Harriett Hathaway Ransom, born April 19, 1936, passed away in South San Francisco, CA, surrounded by family on November 20, 2025. She was the eighth of ten children born to Grace Mabel and Oral Clyde Hathaway in Grantsville, West Virginia. Martha graduated in 1958 from Saint Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Parkersburg, WV, where she began her nursing career.
In 1962, Martha traveled to the West Coast via the Seattle World's Fair and subsequently moved to California, where she worked at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. It was there that she met Chester H. Ransom. In 1967, they married and shared 42 years together before Chester's passing in 2009.
A caregiver at heart, Martha's nursing career spanned over 50 years, including her work at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital (San Francisco, CA), Marshal Hale (San Francisco, CA), Crystal Springs Rehabilitation Center (San Mateo, CA), and Peninsula Hospital (Burlingame, CA). She began as a pediatric nurse and later became a supervisor and administrator, leading and caring for all. While she officially retired in 2001, she remained active, working per diem and often covering vacations, special occasions, and holidays for nurses with young family so that they could spend time at home with their families.
Martha's caregiving extended to animals, particularly cats. Over the years, she welcomed many into her home. If a stray appeared in her yard or someone needed to rehome their furry companion, she was always ready to help.
She is survived by her sister, Judy Gaunt (the youngest of ten); daughter, Lisa Simpson; grandchildren, AJ Simpson and Ezra Moore; stepchildren and their children — Charles, Carolyn, James, Larry, Robert, and Craig; brother in laws Dr. William H. Targgart and Joseph Gaunt; numerous nieces, nephews, and all who loved her.
Martha's memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 1:30PM at Skylawn Funeral Home (Hwy 92 @ Skyline Blvd), with a reception to follow. The family encourages donations in honor of Martha H. Ransom to the Peninsula Humane Society, Homeless Cat Network, or PARCA. Flowers are also welcome.
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