WPRA Loses a Loyal Friend — Bill Ransom

On January 5, 2017, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association lost a loyal supporter when William “Bill” Ransom, 70, of Paola, Kan., passed away at his home after a 22-year battle with melanoma cancer. Bill’s wife, Margo Ransom, serves on the WPRA Board of Directors as the Great Lakes Circuit Director.

Bill was born July 18, 1946 in Anniston, AL., son of Myron and Lola Ransom. He was the son of a career Army man and lived in France, Germany and many places stateside. In 1964 he met Margo Bly in chemistry class and they started dating and were engaged later that year. They were married seven years later. Bill served as an x-ray technician in the Army for six years during the Vietnam era. Bill graduated from Rockhurst College and began his teaching career in Hichman Mills, Missouri and in 1971 after his marriage he and Margo moved to Paola where he taught science and biology at the high school for 35 years. He also taught biology for Fort Scott Community College for many years. Bill was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association (PRCA) since 1978 as a calf roper and a judge. He received his Gold Card in 1998 and continued his rodeo career until the spring of 2014 when his illness made it impossible for him to continue. Bill was also honored by the WPRA in 2013 as their Judge of the Year.

Bill loved teaching and continued even after his retirement from Paola in the roping arena with area children and adults. He was gifted in the art of bringing humor into the learning process. In the rodeo world he was well liked and respected for his knowledge and fairness. He was also a great story teller during the down times on the rodeo road. He was a very faithful man and loved the Lord above all else. His attitude in life was always based on being kind and loving and fair. Bill also loved his dogs, horses and his cattle. His favorite place to be was in the presence of his “critters”. Rodeo was very important to him but mostly because of the friendships that were formed while traveling. He could always be found visiting with everyone and anyone at the rodeos.

He is survived by his wife of 45 1/2 years, Margo and his sister, Myrl Ann Ransom, Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the:

Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund
c/o Cindy Schonholtz
101 Pro Rodeo Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919

The WPRA sends their condolences to the family.

Courtesy of WPRA