Theresa Maria Ranshaw's Obituary
Theresa Maria Ranshaw, age 64, entered into eternal rest on December 9, 2025, passing peacefully while surrounded by her family.
Born on July 14, 1961, in Columbus, Mississippi, Theresa was the daughter of Aloysius Peter and Anna Schweihofer. As a child of a military family she lived in several states across the country and in Europe. Her family settled back in St. Clair, Michigan where she attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, St. Clair High School, and St. Clair County Community College.
On July 18, 1992, she married her husband of 33 years, Mark A. Ranshaw, beginning a faithful marriage where together they raised four beautiful children, who were her greatest joy.
For over 30 years, Theresa was a dedicated public servant who proudly served as Deputy Treasurer of East China Township. Known for her integrity, strong work ethic, and genuine commitment to the community, Theresa approached every responsibility with care and professionalism. Colleagues and residents alike valued her kindness and willingness to help others. Theresa leaves behind a legacy of service that will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of working with or knowing her.
Theresa’s Catholic faith guided her entire life. She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a faithful participant in the Society of the Living Rosary. She found delight in singing with the church choir, helping with the annual parish festival, and supporting the scrip program, always offering her time and talents with a willing heart.
Theresa will be remembered for her loving, giving, and helpful nature. Faith and family were the most important things to her, and she lived those values every day. She was an avid supporter of her children in every endeavor they pursued—always cheering, always encouraging, always believing in them.
She loved spending time with her family, especially playing cards and classic video games, where she showed her competitive spirit. A natural athlete, Theresa also loved volleyball, softball, and swimming at the YMCA, hobbies that allowed her to create memories and foster friendships.
Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Aloysius Peter II and Anna Schweihofer, her in-laws Max and Shirley Ranshaw, as well as her brothers-in-law Stephen Gilliland, Michael Young, and nephews Tyler Boese and Charlie Gilliland.
She is survived by her husband Mark; her children, Marianna, Jacob, Joshua (Amber), and Jeremy; and her granddaughter Celeste. She is also survived by her siblings Dorothy Gilliland, Angela Young, Monica Myers, RoseAnn (Ronald) Roberts, Cindy (Gerald) Corbat, Timothy (Alicia) Schweihofer, Mary Boese, Peter (Cathy) Schweihofer, and Paula (William) Mazzola as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all caregivers, hospice staff, and parish members who supported Theresa and her loved ones with compassion and care.
Funeral Mass will be Friday, December 19th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Clair. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours are Wednesday, December 17th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with prayers of the Divine Mercy at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 18th from 2:00 to 5:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary recital at 7:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave a message of comfort visit https://www.youngcolonial.com
“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.”
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