Elaine Elizabeth Ranson Ison

Elaine Elizabeth Ranson Ison, 83, finished her mission on this earth and returned to her Heavenly Father on March 28, 2026, after bravely battling cancer and subsequent illnesses. Elaine was born on October 19, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to her loving parents, William Ranson and Ruth Iva Bills Ranson.

Elaine had two brothers, Don Ranson (Karen) and Daryl Ranson (Sharon), who blessed her with many wonderful nieces and nephews. She graduated from South High School in 1960, and with her beautiful red hair, was named first runner-up as Miss Flame in the late 1950s in Sugarhouse.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Weston Owen Ison, in 2017. She is survived by her five children, 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: Lloyd (Pam); Brandon (Sarah) – Lily, Joshua (Karissa), Justin, Dylan; Bryant (Jennifer) – Calvin, Phoebe, Heath, Jack, Sabrina; Julianne (Edward “Ted”) – Emma (Blake), Isaac, Kiera, Chloe; Marie (Clint) – Madeleine (Ethan), Katherine (Jacob), Cooper, Macguire; and Jonathan (Maria) – Skyler, Makayla, Makenzie, Haylee, Brooklyn.

Elaine graduated from Stevens-Henager College with an associate degree and worked as an administrative secretary for several large businesses. She learned the unique skill of shorthand and lovingly used it to record many baby blessings for her grandchildren. She also devoted many years as a stay-at-home mother and a “domestic engineer”, where she raised her children with love, guidance, and a warm, welcoming home.

Elaine married Wes in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 16, 1965. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2015. Throughout their marriage, they traveled across the United States and lived in Kentucky, Virginia, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Ohio, Illinois, and Utah. After Wes passed away in 2017, Elaine moved to Indiana for a fresh start. There, she enjoyed living near her oldest daughter, Julianne, and grew to love the Indianapolis Temple, local corn on the cob, and the beauty of Midwest sunsets.

Despite living far from many of her grandchildren, Elaine made each one feel like a priority during her visits. She ensured every granddaughter had her hair French braided and a touch of fresh lipstick. Time spent with grandma was always magical. She was a devoted listener, always ready to hear stories, adventures, heartaches, and accomplishments.

Elaine loved to travel and frequently visited Hawaii with Wes. She continued this tradition after his passing, creating treasured memories with each of her children and their families. Whether snorkeling with grandchildren or treating them to ice cream, she made every moment special. She also loved going to the movies, always bringing treats from her candy drawer and sharing a big tub of popcorn.

Elaine had a passion for sewing and created everything from Halloween costumes for her grandchildren to prom dresses for her daughters and hot pads for friends and family. She loved shopping, especially finding treasures on the clearance rack. An excellent cook, she was well known for her homemade wheat bread, which won first prize at the Ohio State Fair, as well as her famous strawberry and banana cream pies that she shared with all her grandchildren.

She enjoyed puzzles, visits to the nail salon, and was rarely seen without her “face on.” Elaine placed great importance on remembering birthdays and holidays, often sending handwritten cards, always with a special note and a cherished $2 bill enclosed. The Christmas season was especially dear to her, filled with baking sugar cookies and decorating gingerbread houses with her grandchildren, as well as delivering treats to neighbors.

Elaine had a gift for connection and was truly the life of the party. She could make friends anywhere from grocery store lines to restaurants.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who cared for her during her illness, including Visiting Angels Senior Care, Suncrest Hospice, and Dr. McCollum. Their compassion and dedication allowed Elaine to spend precious time with her family, creating lasting memories.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 25, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, with a visitation from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City, Utah, in memory of Elaine Ison. Elaine and Wes often loved spending time there, admiring the beautiful flowers, trees, and the Rose Garden.