Marilyn’s Obituary Marilyn Jo Ramey, 80 of Sterling passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 in Aurora. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 19 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Marilyn Jo Ramey was born December 21 1938 to Elmer and Hazel (Haverland) Burkhard in Wray Colorado. Marilyn was a devoted daughter throughout her parent’s lives and was a loving role model and friend to her younger sister. As a child she was a gifted student academically and musically.
She studied piano and clarinet and was very active in the Sterling High School Band. One of her greatest memories and achievements was being a member of the prestigious marching band of Sterling High School that was chosen to perform in Washington D.C. in the summer of 1954. She graduated as valedictorian from Sterling High School in 1956 and continued on to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley where she obtained her degree in Elementary Education.
At that time she met Richard Ramey and they were married in December 14, 1958. Marilyn taught Kindergarten at Pantell Elementary in Sterling for three years before staying home with her young children. While home being a housewife and mother she was active in the First Presbyterian Church and used her musical talents as a member of the Bell Choir and performed many solos and duets during the church services and holiday programs.
Later she returned to work as teacher for the preschool/school age developmentally disabled, then moved onto work with the adult developmentally disabled teaching life skills. She gained much more schooling in this area during this time and became a case manager for Eastern Colorado Services for the Developmentally Disabled until her retirement in 2012. She was a dedicated and loyal employee but her role as wife, mother and grandma was second to none.
She was a great cook even though she claimed to hate cooking and was known for the cinnamon apples, fried string potatoes, pancakes, pies and cakes and the very abundant offerings of food every Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was an immaculate housekeeper and especially took great pride in her yard. Marilyn was a supportive mother who spent endless hours transporting her kids to 4-H meetings, athletic practice, and attended all events with pride.
Her love for newborn babies was enjoyed with the birth of all of her grandchildren and she took great pride in all of them and attended the many activities and sporting events nearby. Her grandchildren treasure her devotion and sense of “home” she provided during visits. She was even fortunate to experience a third set of “babies” with her great-grandchildren and never failed to send a birthday card and stuffed animal for their birthdays.
She was a content and satisfied soul who was always thankful for whatever she had, no matter what life threw her way she was gracious and thankful for everything. She was thoughtful, polite, and always put others needs before her own and never wanted to be a burden on anyone. After her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in 2014 she continued to care for Richard and the household duties for many years.
After the passing of her husband in 2018 she had to be moved to an Alzheimer’s care facility of which she still remained grateful for her surroundings and spoke often that it was more than she felt she deserved. Her kind and gentle spirit never wavered up to the end. And although her death came unexpected she in fact must have been touched by knowing she was in her final hours because The evening before her passing she was very insistent on asking and understanding if everything was “okay” with all of her children and grandchildren .
She went on to say she had a good life and she could only hope for the same for us. Within the complete shock of learning of her passing the next morning we are so comforted by the fact that God was speaking to her that night and knowing she was at peace with her life and ready to be called Home. In her earthly home she had a sign and a display of grandchildren’s pictures over her mantle that she called “grandmas angels” when in fact we know she was and is OUR angel.
Marilyn is survived by son Scott H. (Gena) Ramey of Anton, CO and daughter Jodie A. (Tom) Jessop of Dalhart, TX; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister Bobbee L. Burkhard of Ft. Myers, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Richard.
Memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to Eastern Colorado Services for the Developmentally Disabled in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.
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