Rene Ramsdell 78, of Highlands, NC passed away peacefully with her family by her side Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Safety Harbor, Florida. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Rene was born July 2, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio and lived in Fort Thomas Kentucky.
She later moved to Clearwater, Florida where she attended Clearwater High School. After graduation, Rene attended Burdett College in Boston and spent the summers in Ogunquit, Maine where she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Ramsdell. They were soon married in Clearwater, Florida on April 26, 1960 and lived for a short time in Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, before settling in St. Petersburg, Florida to raise two children. There, Rene served at Garden Crest Presbyterian Church as church secretary and later as director of Youth Club.
In 1987, they moved to Highlands, North Carolina to fulfill a dream of owning a Bed and Breakfast. After 15 years as innkeepers, they retired and enjoyed living in the beauty of the Great Smokey mountains and travelling across the continent in their motor home. Rene was dedicated to serving the Lord and changed many lives with her acts of kindness. Always willing to help and take care of others first, her laugh was often heard before seeing her infectious smile. She was an avid reader, enjoyed exercising in the pool, tending the garden, playing cards with friends, and volunteering for community and church events at Highlands United Methodist Church. Rene lived life fully and is now in her forever home, the house of the Lord. Posted in their cabin in North Carolina is her motto: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, shouting, “Woo-hoo, what a ride!”
Rene is survived and deeply loved by her husband, Jim. They enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage together. She is also survived by two daughters, Gail Ramsdell of Safety Harbor, Florida and Bonnie McCray of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two grandchildren Kayla McCray and Connor McCray; Brother-in-law, Doug Ramsdell (Betty), and countless friends; who all love her and miss her dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Florida and North Carolina with food and fellowship to follow.
Palm Harbor, Florida
Saturday, March 9th at 11:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor
2021 Nebraska Avenue
Highlands, North Carolina
Saturday, June 8th at 2:00 p.m.
Highlands United Methodist Church
315 Main Street
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rene’s memory to Habitat for Humanity or Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Our prayers go out to Rene’s family. We remember her life as a life lived well. She is missed. Rest eternal grant to her, O God; And let light perpetual shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Rene brought light and laughter into our lives. She will always be in our hearts.
Love and sympathy for your loss to the family.
Prayers to all your family and friends – she will be missed by so many.
Jim and Family:
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Rene was a kind and loving person.
Peace, Prayers and Blessings.
Hearing the passing of Rene breaks my heart. What a truly wonderful lady. I will truly miss seeing her every year. Sending hugs and prayers to Jim and family. Rest in peace Rene.
Our prayers go out to Jim and family. Rene did so much to further the love of the Lord for our children Dawn and Ron Peters and Brandy Darnell while at Garden Crest. Such a wonderful lady!! I am sure Jesus welcomed her with open arms. Brent and Joyce Darnell
My sincerest condolences to you all. May God’s promise we have for the future comfort you all (John 5:28,29).
Dear Jim & Family – What a wonderful photo of Rene with her feet up – although we never saw her like that! She was a busy, capable, talented, giving, creative person who was always full of clear-headed, practical advice. We’re glad to see that at least once she did relax a little! We know how hard running a B&B is but we never heard her complain and her kindness always shone through even when she was carrying a heavy load. Her capacity for getting things done was inspiring and reading her obituary filled in a lot of details and illustrates a life well-lived. We are blessed to have known her.
My heartfelt condolences on your loss of your wife, Jim. May she rest in peace.
Jim, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We will miss seeing Rene and wish we could have attended the memorial service in Highlands. Nancy is having a hard time getting around with her arthritis. We think of you guys often. Love, Nancy & Paul