Shirley M. Ramsey

Shirley M. Ramsey, age 93 of North Canton, Ohio, passed away on April 22, 2026. Shirley was born June 15, 1932 in Zanesville, Ohio, the only child of Flavil and Edna (Linn) Orange. She graduated Valedictorian from Youngstown, Ohio South High School. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education at Youngstown College in 1954 and Master of Science from Westminster College in Pennsylvania in 1956. Shirley taught 3rd grade at Washington Elementary in Youngstown and also 1st grade at Dennis R. Smith in Canton, Ohio- a total of 5 years. Shirley married J. Kevin Ramsey on August 18, 1956 in Youngstown, Ohio and celebrated 69 years together. Shirley retired from public teaching in 1958 in preparation for the birth of her daughter Janice L. (Ramsey) Sweitzer in February 1959 and her son Dr. Kent L. Ramsey in 1962, both in North Canton, Ohio.

Shirley began teaching children Bible Classes as a teenager at the Struthers, Ohio Church of Christ and continued teaching Bible Classes at the Ninth St. SW Church of Christ and the North Canton Church of Christ for over 65 years. Shirley was always a servant for children and elderly her entire life. She was the greatest blessing her husband ever received. Shirley was the epitome of a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a Christian. She also will be remembered for her pleasant smile and fabulous apple pies. She was always asked to bring an apple pie to all family and church activities.

In addition to her husband, Shirley is survived by her daughter, Janice (Ramsey) Sweitzer and her husband Dr. Kirby Sweitzer and her son Dr. Kent Ramsey and his wife, Tamara Ramsey. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren-Dr. Jonathan (Jessica) Ramsey and their three children, Dr. Mitchell (Kate) Ramsey, Cecelia Ramsey, Heather Ramsey, Dr. Clint Sweitzer (Emily) and their two children, Joel Sweitzer (Anna) and their four children, Dr. Keith Sweitzer (Emily), also brother-in-Christ, John Cupp of Chattanooga, Tennessee. At the time of her passing Shirley and Kevin have 2 children, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren for a total of 18 descendants. The joys of her life were family and church.

Visitation Sunday April 26, 2026 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at North Canton Church of Christ 1301 East Maple Street North Canton, OH 44720. Funeral service at the same location Monday at 10:00 AM with Minister Ted Blackwood officiating. Interment at Sunset Hills Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Shirley's name to the programs at North Canton Church of Christ.