Obituary: Emily Ransil

Nursing major Emily Ransil died Sept. 3 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was on medical leave for the past academic year to focus on her treatment.

Ransil has two brothers currently enrolled at Messiah and mother, Jennifer, is an adjunct professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science. Her sister was a recent graduate of Messiah, as well.

She was a vibrant member of the Messiah Department of Nursing and was actively involved within the department and around campus. In addition to her studies in the nursing major, she was a biology minor and heavily involved in music, including participation in Women’s Ensemble and United Voices of Praise. Within the department, she served as a nursing department ambassador and was always willing to help however possible.

Her academic advisor, Associate Professor of Nursing Kristen Slabaugh, said faculty described her as gracious, courageous and highly intelligent. Ransil had a passion for research and was interested in pursuing certification as a sexual assault nurse examiner and working in a trauma/emergency department. Her faith, courage and strength were displayed as she battled the diagnosis, earning her the 2019 Joshua Award for Courage and Strength. She was also a gifted writer, using Emily’s Community to keep family and friends updated throughout her illness.

May her own words bring us comfort: “I have assurance in where I am going, so I know I have nothing to fear. God is good and has granted me enormous peace as I am standing at the precipice of the unknown. I am determined not to let the fact that I have cancer define who I am. Instead, I want to surrender the fact that I have cancer to God and let Him use it as He sees fit.”