Leslie "Les" Ramey

Feb 20, 1928 – Jan 11, 2011

Leslie “Les” Ramey passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at his daughter’s home in Ashville, Ohio.

Les Ramey is best remembered for his sense of humor and his love for teasing “the dickens” out of people. Ask anyone that knew Les and they have a story to tell of a practical joke he pulled or something he did to make them laugh.

Les was very proud of his military service. He served over 24 years in the US Army where he was an MP, drill sergeant, and ultimately retired as a Master Sergeant. He served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He always said, “I’d be in the Army today if they’d have me.” He also retired from the State of Ohio as Chief of Police for the Columbus Developmental Center.

Outside of work, Les loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed a number of hobbies, such as gardening, fishing, bee keeping, hunting, and traveling out west in is RV. When at home, he visited family and pampered his cat, Misty.

In addition to his parents (William and Matilda Ramey) he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; three brothers (Elmer, Obra, and Elbra); and seven sisters (Gladys, Opal, Ollie, Ellie, Irene, Agnes, and Lena). Survivors include his children, Victor (Debbie) Ramey, Melissa Ramey, Rhonda (John Paul Beaudoin) Ramey, and Patricia Ramey; grandchildren, Michelle, Dana, Les, Zachary, Jordan, and Ian; great grandchildren, Merissa, Daniel, and Derek; sister, Margaret “Dice” Sloan; many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Edie Lewis.

Les was known for his uncanny sayings. A few favorites are:

If you asked him “How much do I owe you” and he didn’t want repaid he said, “A dollar two eighty.”

If asked if he is going to attend something: “Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.” If asked if he was ready to go somewhere: “As soon as I eat this watermelon.”

Spending money always met: “As soon as the rich man gets out of the poor house.”

Never ask him if you can do something, or he would say, “I don’t know, CAN you?”

If standing in his line of view: “You make a better door than you do a window.”

When leaving someone’s home: “I’ll see you good people later.”

Les loved to eat but when you asked if his meal was good he always said, “Beats a snowball.”

At a restaurant when the waiter/waitress brought the check he always said, “You can keep that.”

Thank you was always in German, “Dankschen”