Barbara Shirley Ramsey

Barbara Shirley Ramsey was born at home on March 22, 1940 in the small village of Cimila in South Wales, UK to Frederick and Ann Williams. She passed away Nov. 20, 2017.

She was the seventh of seven children. She was a very active child being involved in Girl Guides (Girl Scouts), Flossy Snow dance troop, swimming at the Noll pond and running in the hills on Wimberly Mountain. As she grew up, she enjoyed schools in Cimila and Neath.

Barbara always wanted to travel, so she joined the Home Guard, and would travel during her summer encampments, but the most adventuresome thing she did was to leave her beloved Wales for a job in England where she met her future husband George.

They were married on April 1, 1961 in Neath, South Wales, in an event that brought the whole town out to see the "Yanks," who had not been in Wales since World War II. Another highlight in her life was becoming an American citizen in 1966. She always said she was Welsh by birth and an American by choice.

Barbara and George traveled with the Air Force throughout the U.S. finally settling in Medical Lake, where they have lived for the past 40 years. Barbara loved working with children, the developmentally disadvantaged and the elderly, so when she was offered a position at Interlake School it was the perfect fit.

Unfortunately, it was cut short by an injury. That gave her the opportunity to pursue another love, that of crafting, antiques and helping people so she opened her own shop, "Twice is Nice."

Barbara's love of children was seen in her 21 years as a Girl Scout leader, becoming the senior leader in the Northwest Council. Her other loves were camping at Priest Lake, traveling in the motor home, bowling and most of all spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years George, three daughters, Angela and Sandy (Stephen) of New Jersey, and Loretta (Terry) of Spokane Valley, seven wonderful grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one brother, Ronald, of South Wales and numerous nephews and nieces in both the U.S. and South Wales. She was preceded in death by four sisters (Minnie, Gladys, Cassie and Valerie) and one brother, Joe. She wanted to recognize the wonderful care given by the doctors, nurses and staff of the Rockwood Cancer Center and Horizon Hospice who made her final days so peaceful.

A celebration of life was held earlier.