Staff

Christopher K. Taylor — Licensed Funeral Director, Manager

Chris graduated from Delta College and Ferris State University with degrees in law enforcement and is also a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He has been a funeral director for more than thirty years. He is a Past President of Michigan Funeral Directors Association District 7. He and his wife, Arlene, have two daughters, Maria Taylor and Melissa (Mike) Huber.

Richard B. Ransford — Licensed Funeral Director

Dick graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Mortuary Science in 1961 and received a biology degree from Central Michigan University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964 as a micro-biologist. Dick is a member and past president of the Caro Rotary Club, a retired director of Chemical Bank and Trust, and a former President and Trustee of the Caro Village Council. He is also a longtime member of the Caro D.D.A. and a charter member and past president of the Executive Board for the Tuscola County Community Foundation.

Mark Ransford, CFSP — Licensed Funeral Director

Mark is a 2002 graduate of the University of Michigan with degrees in Business Administration and Psychology. He studied Mortuary Science at Wayne State University where he also received a graduate degree in Forensic Investigation. Mark is board member of the Caro Chamber of Commerce and a past president of Michigan Funeral Directors Association District 7. He and his wife, Lainey, have three sons, Ethan, Cameron and Jackson.

Michael Tharp, CFSP — Licensed Funeral Director

Michael graduated from Catonsville College of Mortuary Science in 1985 with a degree in Mortuary Science and received high honors. He is a licensed funeral director and has been in funeral service for over twenty-five years. He was past secretary and district treasurer with the MFDA and was an original member of MFDA professional education committee where he served as chairman for four years. Michael and his wife, Patty, have two daughters, Meghan, her husband Jordan, and Lindsey.

Sue Ransford — Family Services Coordinator

Sue joined along side her husband, at Ransford Funeral Home, as the Family Services Coordinator in 1995. She is a charter member of the Tuscola County Community Foundation and has been a trustee of the Caro Area District Library for over twenty-five years, presently serving as the president of the board. Sue and her husband, Richard, have two children and six grandchildren.

Michele Hile — Pre-need Funeral Consultant

Michele is a retired teacher. She still provides valuable service to the community by preplanning funerals. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Michigan State University. Michele serves as the Luminaria Chairperson for the Tuscola County Relay for Life. Michele resides near Caro with her husband, Tom.

Theresa Micklash — Administrative Assistant

Theresa acquired twenty years of experience in the dental field before joining Ransford Funeral Home in 2008. She supports the Tuscola County Community Foundation and works for the Cass City H.O.P.E. Fund, which assists families with children suffering from cancer. Theresa currently resides with her husband in Cass City.

Karen Hofmeister — Administrative Assistant

Karen is a 1968 graduate of Caro High School. She worked for twenty-four years in insurance before joining the Collon Funeral Home in 1991. In her free time, Karen enjoys gardening, sewing and spending time with her two granddaughters, Molly and Maggie.

Chuck Spaulding — Associate

Chuck attended Northeastern School of Commerce in Bay City and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Chuck’s professional experience includes sales, marketing and retail store management. He worked for the Village of Caro in the office of the Clerk/Treasurer from 1976 until 2000. Chuck began work at Ransford Funeral Home in 2004. He and his wife, Lois, have four children, Amy (William), Eric, Ryan (Ashley) and Beth. The couple also have three grandchildren.

Lanny LaFave — Associate

Lanny started his career at Saginaw Steering Systems, and worked there for over 30 years. Lanny began with the Collon Funeral Home in 2007 and made the transition to Ransford Collon Funeral Home in 2011. In his free time, Lanny enjoys watching Tigers baseball and drag races, and spending time with his wife LaDonna.

Larry Creutz — Associate

Larry attended Concordia College in Nebraska. He worked as an insurance adjuster for over 30 years. He owned the Northwood Adjusting Company in West Branch. Larry began work in 1993 with Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company where he handled claims.

Amie Salgat-Hildinger — Associate

Amie is a 2001 graduate of Caro High School. She started work with the Collon Funeral Home in 1998. She began at Ransford Collon in 2011. Amie lives in Caro with her husband and their five children.

Robert Isenberg — Associate

Bob is a graduate of Detroit Lutheran High School West and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University in Industrial Arts. He taught at Unionville-Sebewaing High School, part of a distinguished thirty-year career in education. Robert is an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro. His hobbies include riding his motorcycle and flying his plane.

Douglas Hall — Associate

Doug is a graduate of Caro High School. He attended Western Michigan University and worked for the Michigan Department of Human Services. He has been active for many years as a member of the Caro Knights of Columbus and is also a member of the Tuscola Human Services Board. Douglas and his wife, Lupe, have three children and ten grandchildren.

Dave Klebba — Associate

Dave graduated from Ubly High School and worked at GM’s Pontiac Motor Division. Since 1996, Dave has operated a lawn care service in Caro. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3224. Dave and his wife Donna reside in Caro. The couple has two children, Robin and Craig and four grandchildren. Dave is an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.