Martha Jane Ramsey

Martha Jane Ramsey, wife of retired United Methodist Minister the Rev. Dennis D. Ramsey, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015.

Martha was born in Harrisburg to Sheldon and Mamie Lancaster on June 13, 1930. She received a bachelor of elementary education degree from Southern Illinois University in 1952 and taught kindergarten in Park Forest. She met Dennis Ramsey in 1952, and they were married on Aug. 30, 1953. They had two children, Greg (b. 1955) and Mark (b. 1957). Martha retired from teaching in 1954 to become a full-time homemaker. She fought a lifelong battle against illness and severe limitations, but through it all, she was a wonderful example of faith and perseverance.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis; sons, Greg and Mark; sister, JoAnn Persell; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held at Lakeview United Methodist Church in Sun City, Ariz., 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Hospice of Arizona (19820 N. 7th Ave., Suite 130, Phoenix, Ariz. 85027) or Lakeview United Methodist Church (10298 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City, Ariz. 85351).