Marlene Joyce Ramey age 86, of Redwood Falls passed away, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, June 18 at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Crestlawn Memorial Gardens. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marlene Joyce (Summers) Ramey was born December 16, 1931 to Ray and Hulda (Bartness) Summers in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She attended school in Elbow Lake, MN and graduated as Salutatorian of the class of 1949. Marlene graduated from Moorhead State Teachers College in Elementary Education. She taught in the Redwood Falls, Albert Lea and Wabasso school systems and retired in 1994 after 32 years of teaching. Marlene began and ended her teaching career in Redwood Falls. On August 8, 1955, Marlene and Norman Ramey were united in marriage in Elbow Lake. They spent their first years of marriage at Gilfillan, where Norm was employed as the Gilfillan Farm Manager. They later purchased a Gilfillan Farm in Paxton Township, where the family still resides. Marlene and Norman were blessed with four children: Glen, Ann, Lee and Karl. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls where she served in many capacities; Sunday School teacher, Music leader for the Nursery – 3rd grade Sunday School children, President of the United Methodist Women, Joy-Us Circle, and the Administrative Council. Marlene was very interested in music of all kinds and shared her talents as a member of the Chancel Choir, Choir Soloist and Hand Bell Choir. She also sang duets with her husband, Norm, and a family quartet with their children, Karl and Ann. Marlene directed the Children’s Choirs of her church from 1956 to 2016. She loved teaching children about God’s love through music. The children in her choirs learned the books of the Bible, the names of the disciples, and many passages of scripture, all set to music. Marlene was a Certified Lay Speaker for the Southern Prairie District of United Methodist Church and conducted services at many churches in the area. She also shared her faith story with Christian Women’s Club groups in a five state area. Marlene was active in the Gideon Auxiliary, a charter member of the Veritas Study Club, and served as Secretary for the Redwood County Republican Committee for many years. She and Norm were also leaders in the Golden Gophers 4H Club.
Marlene is survived by her children: Glen of Phoenix, AZ, Ann, and Karl (Karin) both of Rural Redwood Falls; daughter-in-law Davie of Surprise, AZ; three granddaughters: Crystal, Nicole and Karsyn; four great-grandchildren: Nikita, Caleb, Elliott, and Victoria; sister Marcella Gulsvig of Moorhead; sister-in-law Marilyn Yackel of Glenwood and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman in 2014, parents, son Lee, stepmother Marie, stepbrother Jim Yackel, and daughter-in-law Helen.
BLESSED BE HER MEMORY
She was my physical education teacher. Teachers don’t realize what an impression the can put on a young child’s life. Love her as a teacher. My sympathies to the whole family.
Dear Ann and family,
My deepest sympathy to your family. Your mom was truly a gift from God to me. She was a balcony person to me, even if she didn’t know it. She must be filled with joy at this moment. I will always keep her memory in my heart.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Mrs. Ramey was a wonderful teacher and she touched so many lives.
Ann and family,
Deepest sympathies to you. Your mom was such a special person. I have many memories of her and your dad singing “special music” at NAUMC. My mom was always so glad to schedule them during the summer months (back when we still had a choir) and then anytime since then. How well her voice now adds to the heavenly choir!
May God’s blessings bring you peace.
You have those teachers that everyone in your hometown knew and loved….Mrs. Ramey was that teacher! Even as young as most of us were when we had her, she left such an impression in all of our hearts! Such a beautiful and loving soul! My deepest condolences and prayers to her family! She will be missed by many!
Mrs. Ramey was a fantastic teacher and a great member of the church. Heaven has gained a wonderful member for it’s choir.
My dear late wife Audrey and I first met Marlene in 1955, then engaged to marry my cousin Norman, at my grandmother Rhoda Simons’s funeral in Morton. I still remember the event clearly, and now join with other relatives and friends in mourning Marlene, who like Audrey was a musician. I rejoice with family and friends in her life work, now completed to the glory of God. As I wrote to her son Karl, may she rest peace and sing in the angelic choir with the angels. This Sunday we lit a candle for her in remembrance at church where it burned throughout the service.
Marlene was our dearest friend for over 55 years. She was a wonderful mother, teacher, and singer. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community. Our condolences to Glen, Ann, Carl and their families. We loved your Mom and will miss her so much. May God wrap you in his arms and comfort you and strengthen you in this time of sorrow.
We wish to extend our sympathy for the loss of Marlene. She was a wonderful person and a excellent teacher. She contributed in so many ways to her career, community, and church. Our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Ken and Betty Meister
The family of Marlene has our sincere sympathy on the death of your precious mom….AG and Phil Johanneck
Deepest sympathy to Marlene’s family and friends. May you rejoice in memories of her.