RAMSEY, ATTALA (Attie) MAE
September 24, 1938 - February 7, 2016
Attie was born at St. Ignatius, Montana, USA, to Charles “Ervin” and Marian Howard. She was raised in Montana, but moved to Idaho where she married Jack Ramsey in 1958. Three of their children were born before their move to Engen, BC Canada in 1964 and to their farm on Bearhead Road. Another son was born in Vanderhoof. She was well known in the community, and was involved in managing the Log Cabin Cafe at Engen in the early 70’s. After her marriage ended, she moved to Sooke, on Vancouver Island in 1982 where she met the love of her life, Ray Vowles. and soon became a part of his family. Attie is remembered, in part,for her family parties and barbeques at her home on the Island, her kindness and generosity. At least once a year, she would return to the farm at Engen and her special cabin where she could spend time with her northern family and friends. About five years ago, she underwent Open Heart surgery to replace two valves in her heart. It was a stroke that ended her life so suddenly in Victoria. As this is Heart and Stroke month, the family would suggest contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in her name. Attie was proceeded in death by her parents, brother George, and sisters, Mary, Evea and Lois. She is survived by brother-in-law, Jim Widner of Montana; brothers, Charles (Jo Ann) of Colorado and Edward of Montana; sisters Helen Wydenes (Simon) of Lake Cowichan, BC: Laura Hammond (Les) of Arizona and Rena French of Colorado. Her children, sons Joe, Scott and Charles, “Dude” Ramsey of Engen, BC and daughter, Jackie Lynn Juillette of Prince George, BC, seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great grandchild. On the Island, after over thirty years, she leaves Ray at Sooke and her Island family: Holly, Wayne, Rod and Laura Vowles; Randy (Lisa), Ron (Laurie), and Colette Vandekerkhove; and the grandchildren. She was also a much loved Auntie to her nieces and nephews. Memorials may be announced later, but there are plans being considered for one at the farm at Bearhead on July 31.