Ranjan's obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ranjan Sheth on October 20, 2025. Born in 1948, Ranjan lived a life full of love, resilience, and service, leaving an unparalleled legacy for those lucky enough to have known her.
Ranjan is survived by her loving family- her husband Dhruvkumar, her son and daughter-in law, Manish and Shailaja, her daughter and son-in-law Nisha & Raj. Along with her three grandchildren that adored her. Her magnetic personality was characterized by warmth, kindness, humor, and above all, love. The lessons Ranjan imparted resonated deeply within those around her: the importance of family, the power of kindness, the healing nature of food, the impact of helping others, and the value of maintaining connections with those who mean the most to us.
Born in Bombay, India, Ranjan was the third eldest daughter of Dipaklal Maganlal Katwala and Sumitra (Kiki) Dipaklal Katwala, who were also the parents to Ranjan's other 5 sisters. Ranjan's life was marked by exceptional perseverance. In the face of immense adversity after the passing of her parents, she showed heroic strength in helping raise her younger siblings and her two new brothers when her dad remarried Padmaben Katwala.
Ranjan married Dhruvkumar in 1969, when she was 19 years old. And became part of a large family. Dhruv being one of 7 siblings himself. She lived with her inlaws Panalal and Puspavati Sheth in Goregaon (Bombay). And in this home she gave birth to 3 children. Her first born son passed away as an infant.
She came to America with her husband and two young children in 1980. She was 30, and ready to start a brand new life. She adapted to her new country quickly and kept her extended family close to help guide her. In no time, she switched from wearing her daily sari's and started wearing the latest American trends of blouses and slacks for women. Her personal style was classic and modest. She learned to drive and took her sister in laws shopping to malls near and far. She perfected her American English by watching cartoons with her kids and Three's Company on TV. She called and visited her extended family in India often. She was always greeted by open arms on any home she entered.
During her professional career, Ranjan started working at Mattel and was a favorite around Christmas time when all the kids in the family had access to the employee store, stocked with Barbie's and Hot Wheels cars. Later, she was a cherished member of the State Bank of India team, winning affection and respect from her colleagues and her community. Ranjan was also a master home chef, delighting and uniting everyone through her delicious cooking, especially her iconic Chakri.
However, the legacy Ranjan leaves behind goes beyond her accomplishments. Her life was a testament to caring for others with generosity, a kind heart and a loving spirit. She will be remembered for her resilience to smile through pain, her selfless way of life, and her unwavering belief in leading with kindness and love. Her guidance will live on, inspiring her loved ones to carry her values forward.
Ranjan was a beacon of love and support not only for her immediate family, but also for many others in her extended family and friends group; often being considered a second mother to those who loved her most. Her loss creates an irreplaceable void, and she will be eternally missed by all who knew her.
A funeral service to honor the life of Ranjan Sheth will be held on October 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the Memory Garden Memorial Park and Mortuary in Brea, CA. As we gather to bid her farewell, we take solace in the memories of her infectious laughter, comforting food, and invaluable lessons, letting them guide us on our journey without her physical presence.