Virginia May (Townsend) Ramey passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Port Townsend, Washington. She left this life at 77 years of age as she lived it, with peace and grace. Virginia, or “Ginny” as she was known by many, was born March 27, 1943, in Shelton, Washington, to Golden Mae (Ellison) Townsend and Howard Garnett Townsend and was the youngest of three daughters.
Virginia married her lifelong love and partner, Alfred “Al” Ramey, on May 2, 1959. Two kids, at 16 and 19 years old, pledged their love for one another on that spring day and remained married and in love until Al’s passing 54 years later. They are now together, once more.
Ginny and Al moved into their family home on Clay Street in 1969 where they raised three daughters and one son, but throughout all those 54 years the bedrooms in that big house were never empty. Three grandsons would also come to make it their home during their school years, because there was enough room and enough love for that. Others would find their way to that house, for a visit or a longer stay, because there was still enough room and enough love for that.
To be sure, were you to just drop by, the coffee would be on and you would find conversation, love, and laughter around that old kitchen table. Her favorite show was “Jeopardy!” and we’re quite sure she has a pot of coffee on and is keeping Alex Trebek company in Heaven.
Ginny loved her garden and was a great curator of varied and unusual plants. She might “pinch a start” from almost any plant she walked by and have success in growing it. She passed along her skill and love for canning to her daughters, and they cherish every moment they spent together learning and working that craft.
Ginny was an animal person and she adored her dogs, each one spoiled and indulged with humor and affection. She fiercely loved her family, her home that saw so many celebrations and those inevitable sorrows, and the neighbors she shared life with until they became quite like family themselves.
Virginia was a faithful gardener, of both the earth and the hearts of those around her. How we treasure that laugh and those hugs. She loved and was dearly loved in return.
Virginia is survived by her sister, Bernadine Brooks (Jim); daughters Lynn Hall and Beth Ramey; her son Perry Ramey; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Ramey, eldest daughter, Debbra (Ramey) Tvrdik, sister Beverly Rank, and infant brother Garnett Townsend.
At this time the family does not have plans for a memorial, but ask that everyone hold Virginia’s memory in their hearts. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Virginia be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County, 112 Critter Lane, Port Townsend, WA 98368. We know she would approve.
