"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

"A TIME TO BE BORN"

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Barbara Ann Trigg was born on January 4, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri, the eldest of five siblings. She began and completed her life's journey in Kansas City, where her legacy of faith, family, and service would leave an everlasting mark.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, James Trigg and Deloris Hill; her beloved husband, Lester Ransburg Sr.; her sister, Margaret Janis Trigg; and her niece, Tiffany Randle.

From the very beginning, Barbara's life was marked by purpose, strength, and divine assignment.

"A TIME TO BUILD"

From a very young age, Barbara realized she possessed a special intellectual gift. She attended St. Monica School until the age of 11. After experiencing a moment that challenged her academically, Barbara made a personal vow that she would always strive for excellence and never settle for second place again.

Her family relocated briefly to Carrollton, Missouri, before returning to Kansas City when she was 14 years old. Barbara later attended Central High School and earned her GED at the age of 16.

Barbara knew who she was and carried a made-up mind. Following D-Day, on a Sunday morning, she boldly professed her faith and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. It was there the foundation of her "life build" was laid—solidified on Christ, the Rock.

"A TIME TO WORK"

Barbara met and married the love of her life, Lester Ransburg Sr., in June of 1958. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Margaret, Lester Jr., and Benjamin.

Throughout her life, Barbara faced adversity, discrimination, and barriers because of the color of her skin. Yet, she refused to let the world define her worth.

She secured employment with the Internal Revenue Service in 1964, where she built a remarkable career. Barbara also served in investigative work with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in Kansas City, Missouri, but spent the majority of her professional life with the IRS.

Her excellence earned her many honors and awards, and she made history by becoming the first woman Black or White to hold a Regional Position. Her career reflected her determination, resilience, and refusal to be denied.

"A TIME TO SERVE"

Barbara introduced her children to the Lord and joined St. Stephens Baptist Church in 1957 under the leadership of Reverend Williams, where she remained a faithful member until her passing.

Her service unto the Lord was extensive. She sang in the Inspiration Choir, taught Sunday School, served actively in City Care and The Prime and Bugle Corps, and faithfully worked in the Women's Mission.

For 15 years, she served diligently as secretary within the ministry.

Barbara had a heart for outreach. What began as visiting the sick, shut-in members, and nursing home residents grew into a larger calling. Alongside her husband, Deacon Lester Ransburg, Reverend Jesse Frazier, and Pastor Clark of Kansas, she carried the Gospel into prisons and the streets.

That ministry, known as "Arm of the Lord," became a thriving work that reached as far as Washington, D.C.

Barbara lived by the inscription etched at St. Stephens Church:

"Go ye into the highways and hedges and compel them to come."

And indeed, she did just that.

"A TIME TO LAUGH"

Barbara's joy was contagious. When asked what made her laugh most, her answer was simple:

"My husband of 65 years!"

She often told the story of how she met Lester. He was wearing a red and brown derby hat with checkerboard shorts and introduced himself as "Johnny Jones." Barbara would laugh telling how "handsomely dark and wickedly funny" he was.

After reflecting on it, Barbara would always say she married him because:

"He was my friend."

That friendship became the foundation of a lifetime of love, laughter, and companionship.

"A TIME TO LOVE"

Barbara loved many things—but first and foremost, she loved GOD.

She loved deeply, sincerely, and unconditionally. Barbara loved people right in their face—with honesty, warmth, and Christ-like compassion.

She enjoyed reading, especially Christian novels and self-help books. She loved writing letters of encouragement to her biological family and her church family.

Barbara also loved singing and was often called upon to bless others with her voice.

She was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed watching games alongside her sisters in Christ her "Chief-Ettes."

Her love was visible, tangible, and transformational.

"A TIME TO DIE"

When Barbara's beloved husband, Lester Sr., passed from this life, she remained steadfast and faithful to God. Though her heart grieved deeply, her faith never wavered.

She understood that God would carry her through the pain of loss, and she found peace knowing Lester was no longer suffering.

Barbara herself prepared for this moment. She made sure her soul was anchored in Christ and her affairs were in order. She had done the work of the Lord, fought the good fight, and remained faithful.

On June 14th, 2026 Barbara answered the Master's call and entered into eternal rest.

Though her labor here is finished, her reward has just begun.

"A TIME TO REST"

Barbara Ann Ransburg leaves to cherish her precious memory:

Her children, Margaret D. Randle, Lester Ransburg Jr., and Benjamin E. Ransburg;

Her sisters, Janice Trigg, Evelyn "Skeet" Trigg

Her grandchildren, Eddie, Mary Robin, Crystal, Ashley, Alys, and Josue;

Along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and She leaves behind the dearest friends; Eddie and Mary Robinson, Clarise Yancy, Artis Poole, Joyce Washington, and Azla Fennel.

Barbara's life was a living testimony of perseverance, purpose, and praise. Her prayers covered generations. Her love healed wounds. Her faith moved mountains.

Though she is absent from us in body, we rejoice knowing she is present with the Lord.

Her legacy lives on.