Janet Ann Ramsey

Janet Ann “Jeri” Stanford Ramsey, 79, passed away September 2, 2013 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Washington. Jeri was a lifelong resident of Olympia: she graduated from Olympia High School (1952) and attended University of Idaho.

Her signature accomplishment was her work of mothering four now-grown children: Jack Ramsey of Seattle, Jeff Ramsey of Olympia, Michael Ramsey of Olympia and Jill Hayes (née Ramsey) of Olympia. She was a committed mother and grandmother, and was actively involved in the lives and accomplishments of her children and eight grandchildren.

Jeri was also an employee at the Department of Licensing (DOL) for over twenty-five years, and in her later career as a DOL supervisor was described as a “rare gem” of the department.

After her retirement from the Department of Licensing, Jeri redoubled her involvement with local chapters of the heritage groups Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Daughters of the Pioneers (DOP). She was Chaplain for her local DAR chapter and in 2009, she was elected President of the Olympia chapter of Daughters of the Pioneers.

Jeri valued her family’s pioneering history in the Pacific Northwest: the Stanford family was among the first settlers in the area, and Jeri was proud to be the fourth generation of her family in Olympia. The South Sound Heritage Association presented her with the 2012 Lifetime Achievement award for excellence and service in local historical preservation.

Jeri was also active in the life of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Olympia, and like her parents before her, she was a life-long member of the congregation. Jeri was baptized at St. John’s, raised her children at St. John’s, helped to organize adult forums, served in various volunteer positions, and was a long-time member of the St. Anne’s Guild.

Jeri is survived by her four children, as well as two brothers: James D. Stanford of Olympia, Wash. and Thomas D. Stanford of Palm Springs, California. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Tess Olympia Ramsey; Dylan Montana Ramsey; Jasmine Skye Ramsey; Wren Thomas Ramsey; Parker Jackson Ramsey; Kathryn Ramsey Hayes; Nicholas Stanford Hayes; Colton Hugh Ramsey.

Jeri was preceded in death by her sister Jill Stanford and her parents James R. Stanford and Bertha Wren Stanford.

A viewing for Jeri Ramsey will be at Mills and Mills Funeral Home from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, September 20. A memorial service and reception celebrating her life will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Olympia, Wash. on Saturday, September 21 at 1:00pm.