She was born on July 16, 1959 in Hermiston. Renee grew up in Hermiston where she attended school. In High School she worked at Les Schwab Tire Center until graduation in 1977. After graduation she attended Portland Paramedical to become a veterinarian assistant. She returned to Hermiston and began working for the Hermiston Veterinary Clinic.
In 1980 she was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Sandy Hawker who became a dear friend. She was a very active member and served in various roles and responsibilities throughout the years. She had a firm belief in Jesus Christ and was dedicated to serving others. Renee married Barry Ray Ransom at the LDS Seattle Temple on Dec. 11, 1981. They had four boys. She stayed at home with her boys for many years. She began working for the Hermiston School District in 1995, eventually becoming the lead secretary at West Park Elementary School. She loved working with the children and it became her home away from home. She loved the West Park Family and all its students. She was Classified Employee of the Year in 2002 and 2016. She also received a Crystal Apple Award in 2011. Her hobbies included reading, cooking, and spending time with her children and her grandchildren.
She is survived by her parents, Don and Donna Blankenship; her husband of 34 years, Barry, her sons Joseph (Julie) of Klamath Falls, Andrew(Lynsie) of Marysville, Wash., Steven(Kylee) of Hermiston and son Aaron who is still at home. Also she is survived by eight grandchildren, Cameron, Carston, Maylee, Ellie, Parker, Logan, Brennan and Samuel; brothers Craig (Janet) of Kansas City, Kan., Larry(Kristin) of Portland, and sister Darcy (Pat) McDonough of Hermiston and numerous in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions in Renee’s memory to an account for Aaron. Checks may be made to Aaron Ransom and given to family directly or c/o Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, OR 97838.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
