Wanda Grey Ramage

RAMAGE, WANDA G. - Entered into rest suddenly in Santa Rosa, CA on August 2, 2014. Dearly beloved wife of forty-four years of Dan Ramage of Santa Rosa. Loving mother of Jenn Ramage (Steve Palopoli) of Los Gatos, CA and Wendy Ramage of Santa Rosa. Adored grandmother of Frankie Palopoli. Also survived by one sister; Alma (Lew) Hardy of Washington, two brothers; Stephen (Kimberly) Hannah and Paul (Karen) Hannah, both of Tennessee, and numerous nieces and nephews. A native of Maryville, TN, age 68 years. Wanda was a graduate of Maryville College class of 1968, proudly having made the Dean's Honor List and served on the Debate Team each College year. An avid member of the Presbyterian Church at the time, following graduation, she worked for a year on a special project sponsored by the Board of National Missions. In 1969, Wanda relocated west to explore the possibility of a church vocation at the San Francisco Theological Seminary. It was then, in Berkeley, where she would meet her future husband whom she wed in San Anselmo in 1970. Wanda and Dan spent their youth residing throughout the Bay Area. In 1973, they made Santa Rosa their home and added two daughters to their marriage. An active mother, Wanda brought family first in the rearing of her daughters and over the years enjoyed many family vacations in the Tahoe Basin. She directed Youth and Children's Programs at Christ Church United Methodist, was a Teacher's Aide and then served as School Secretary at Village Elementary, 1984-89. She also took pride several summers in bringing International Exchange Students into Host Families throughout Santa Rosa. All of this led to Wanda obtaining her Teaching Credential at Sonoma State. She was employed eighteen years by the Mark West Union School District, first at San Miguel Elementary and then at Mark West Elementary. She retired from teaching in 2008 and returned to her first love and priority, family. She was a fierce Health Care Advocate and compassionate caregiver to Wendy. To these efforts, Wanda brought complete and full devotion. A special highlight of her retirement years was the birth of her granddaughter. Wanda's sudden passing in August leaves behind a devoted family, many friends, neighbors and colleagues, who all feel the tremendous gift of her life. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Wanda's Life on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. at the Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center (2050 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA, 95405). Private inurnment. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contribution's in Wanda's memory may be made to the Mark West Education Foundation-Wanda Ramage Memorial (305 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA, 95404) - or- the charity of choice.