Virginia Louise Ramsdell

RAMSDELL, Virginia Gahagan Virginia Gahagan Ramsdell, aged 90, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her beloved family on July 20, 2017. She was born into a different era in the small town of Ruston, Louisiana, where her father ran the local feed and sporting goods store. Their farm kept food on the table during the depression. Virginia was bright and received a degree in business administration from Louisiana Tech University. Upon graduation, she lived in Washington, D.C., where she worked at the Pentagon. At the insistence of the family matriarch, she was introduced to William Halley Ramsdell. Their shared values ensured a loving marriage of over 50 years. Her family was the focus of her life. She raised four children in Houston. The family sat down every evening to visit with a home cooked meal. She did this while gracefully managing to be the Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader, room mother and attending every ball game and dance recital- a testament to what was important in her life. No children were ever loved more. She was a lady of grace and style, leading a life of quiet dignity and intellectual pursuit. She studied Jungian Psychology at Rice Institute and practiced yoga long before it became popular. She was a passionate reader and stayed up to date with current events until the very end. The last of her generation, Virginia is predeceased by her devoted husband, William Halley Ramsdell. Her only brother, Dr. Lawrence O. Gahagan of Dallas died 3 months before she did. Survivors include her four children, Dr. William M Ramsdell of Austin, TX, Kay Ramsdell of Walnut Creek, CA, Genie Ramsdell of Austin, TX and Robert Ramsdell of Twin Lakes, CO. as well as their spouses. She was blessed by 10 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She was and the family remains grateful to the compassionate and skilled care that she received from her medical providers. These include, but are not limited to, Dr. David Morledge, Dr. John Dieck, Debbie Hardin, RN, Dr. Tim Hopkins, Dr. Bill Lockett, Dr. Peter Broberg and Dr. Pepe Martinez. The ICU nursing staff at St. David's South Austin Hospital exceeded all expectations for technical expertise and compassionate care. Our family is forever grateful to the tender care given by her caregivers, Marcia, Diana and Nancy, during the final days of her life. A private family memorial service and burial is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org.)