A loved one from our family has gone. A voice we loved to hear has been stilled. A space in our family is vacant, and will never again be filled. “Just at the moment when someone says, ‘There, she is gone,’ there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, ‘Here she comes!’ ”
~Henry Van Dyke
Claudine (Deannie) Irene Ramey passed away early in the morning on Jan. 10, 2025 and returned to her heavenly home after a long and full life.
Deannie was born in Toston, MT on Dec. 12, 1933. The eighth and last child born to Alfred Joseph and Flora Louise DeMers, she was a sister to Harold, Ruby, Philip, Nick, Ray, Rollin, and Marie (Dolly) — and she had a close and special relationship with each and every one of them. As a youngster she attended elementary schools in the Montana towns of Mammoth, Ronan, and Polson. Her education during her junior high and high school years took place in St. Ignatius and Missoula.
Deannie was baptized as an infant in 1934 in the Catholic Church, and she had her first communion in Ronan from Father Harrington. On Nov. 11, 1962 she was confirmed by Pastor Martin Baumann and joined Faith Lutheran Church in Boulder, and and her husband were two of the planners and workers responsible for the construction of the church building. For many years, she taught Sunday and vacation bible school to her children, to some of her grandchildren, and to many other children of the Boulder community. Her strong faith was a constant in her life; she was a loyal and devout member of Faith Lutheran in Boulder until 2022 when her declining health caused her to move to an assisted care facility.
Deannie met Sergeant William J. Ramey in Great Falls in 1950, when he was in the Air Force. It was instant love between the Tennessee boy and the Montana girl. They were married on Dec. 21, 1950 in the county court house in Great Falls by Justice of the Peace John D. McDonald. After Bill chose to leave the Air Force, they lived in Dayton, Ohio; Helena; and Wicks, MT before buying their family home in Boulder in 1958.
It was in that home that Bill and Deannie raised their five children. After Bill passed away in 2001, Deannie continued to live in the family home, enjoying visits and special times with all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and friends until 2022 when she made her new home at The Springs, an assisted care facility in Butte. During her time there, she made many dear friends with whom she enjoyed daily activities and outings.
Deannie was a devoted mother to Bill Jr., JoAnn, David, Randy, and Flora. She showed unconditional love to each of them and always put their needs ahead of her own. She was fun, silly, respectful, compassionate, protective, strong, caring and mindful with all of her children. They all felt great love from her, and she made life special for them in many simple and wonderful ways. She provided moments of love, fun, and laughter in so many different and special ways, and her beautiful traditions and memories will be carried in the hearts of her children and their families forever.
Even though her priority was raising and caring for her family, there were times when Deannie took on other work responsibilities to help support her family’s needs. She baked and sold donuts, breads, and pies to local stores, restaurants, and schools. She also provided laundry services and in-home childcare for many families in the Boulder community. Through the years, she worked various jobs at the Montana Development Center, caring for residents, doing laundry, and working with Doc Pallister as a lab technician in his chromosome research lab. Her colleagues often commented about her exemplary work ethic and compassion towards others.
Deannie enjoyed reading, visiting, and cooking for her family and friends. Her favorite hobbies were knitting, quilting, and sewing.
She was a fun and loving grandmother to Matthew Ramey (Melsi), Joshua Ramey, Katie Roberts, Alisha Drakos (Damon), Angela Klementson (Louis), Jason Ramey (Angie), Kelson Ramey (Katie), Kali Martin (Taylor), Chase Ramey (Meagan), Cole Ramey (Allie), Chantelle Patchin (Chris), Lacey Ulrich (Steve), and Brad Gilmer (Kara). She was a wonderful great grandmother to Joshua, Colton, and Ryder Roberts, Joshua Ramey, Moses and Miriam Ramey, Blake and Taylor Drakos, Kennedy Langel (Connor), Reese and Trey Ramey, Nick and Alex Ramey (Isabella), Emmett and Beau Martin, Gabbi, Phoebe, and Miley Ramey, Scarlett Patchin, Arriana, Angelique, Rozcoe, and Remily Ulrich, and Daxton and Ramey Gilmer. She was also great great grandma to Meyer David Langel.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, William J. Ramey Sr.; her beloved son, David Ramey; her seven brothers and sisters; and her grandson, Joshua Ramey. She is survived by two sons and three daughters-in-law, William J. Ramey Jr. (Liz), Randy Ramey (Lola) and Bonnie Ramey; and by her two daughters and their husbands, JoAnn Dupler (Jerry) and Flora Gilmer (Steve). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, sisters-in-law Jo DeMers, Gay Wells (Richard), and Fay Ramey, brothers-in-law Ted (Bud) Ramey Jr., Jesse Ramey (Phyllis), and numerous nieces and nephews.
“In every life, there comes a time to walk in shadows and in sunlight, to hear silence and song, to shed tears of sadness and joy, to forget what has been taken, and remember what has been given.”
~Unknown author
Our Mother was truly a gift throughout her life to her family and friends, young and old. There will always be an empty space that is just her size in all of our lives. Memories of her will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace our beautiful Mom; your work here on earth is done!
The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff at The Springs Living facility and Honeybee Hospice in Butte for providing such loving, nurturing care and a safe environment for our Mom. We will always be grateful for the dignity and respect she and our family were shown by everyone during her time as a resident there and especially during her last days.
As per her request, services will be a private ceremony with immediate family only. Memorial donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Boulder or the Boulder Community Library.
