Elizabeth Ann Oates Ramsey

Elizabeth Ann (Oates) Ramsey, age 76 of Lincolnton, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at Atrium Health Main. She was born December 5, 1948, in Gaston County, and was the daughter of the late Claude Herman and Mozelle Fox Reeves. She was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, served on the church council, and was the church’s bookkeeper for many years. She graduated from Ashley High School in 1967 and worked as a bookkeeper for Jerry Keller Real Estate and later at Ford’s Seed Store in Gastonia.

In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 52 years, James Kenneth Ramsey; by her father-in-law Grady Ramsey and mother-in-law Ellen Ramsey; and by her sister-in-law Sue Ellen Ramsey.

Survivors include her daughters, Jennifer Ramsey (Dan Shaver), Emily Ramsey (Kirk Sippel), and Lara Ramsey; grandchildren, George Sippel and Maxine Sippel; sister Betty Clagg (Michael) and brother, Robert Charles Oates (Debbie Lynn); brother-in-law, Larry Ramsey (Shirley); nephew, Josh Clagg (Courtney); nieces, Amy Clagg and Leslie Kazee (Curtis); great-nephew, Aikman Kazee (Alyssa); great-nieces, Carly Clagg, Quincy Clagg, and Landry Kazee; and her beloved dog Annabelle.

Ann was a loving wife to her husband, Jim, and was a dedicated caregiver to him in the final years of his life. She was a devoted and endlessly supportive mother to her daughters and championed all their endeavors. She took delight in her grandchildren, and they were endlessly delighted in her. She passed on her creativity and artistic talents, her love of gardening and her love of reading, to her daughters and her grandchildren. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life--sitting outside and watching the birds with her dog Annabelle, eating the first tomato sandwich of the season, and playing games with her family at the dining room table.

Ann approached every task with care and attention, She took great pride in her garden and never hesitated to share her knowledge and her beautiful plants with friends and family. Her talent for flower arranging made her a favorite with customers at Fords, and her beautiful Christmas bows decorated countless houses and churches.

Ann’s capacity for care was unlimited. In countless ways, both large and small, she endeavored to be of service to her family, friends, and community. She gave her love, her time, and her talents freely and without hesitation. She showed great strength in times of adversity and never lost her lightness of spirit. In her quiet and unassuming way, she touched the lives of many people.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 17, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Malcolm Lerch and Minister Brad Alexander officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM, prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1203 St. Mark’s Church Road, Cherryville, NC 28021 or Gaston Hospice 258 Garrison Blvd. Gastonia, NC 28054.

Condolences may be made at www.carpenterporter.com