Phyllis C Ramirez

Phyllis C. Ramirez born November 30, 1940, left behind her earthly suffering on January 25, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband: Adolph Ramirez, Jr., mother: Thelma Priore, and siblings: Connie Hull, Lois Cooper, Gloria Loretz, Dorothy Lindsay and Vincent Priore.

Phyllis is survived by four sons: Eric (Lunda) Ramirez, Tony (Becky) Ramirez, Joe (Charlotte) Ramirez, and Rich (Ashley) Ramirez, twenty-two grandchildren: Maranda (Matt) Peterman, Nathan (Katie) Ramirez, Beth (Nick) Atkins, Joey Girard, Allie Girard, Ashley Ramirez, Caleb Ramirez, Ben (Alyse) Ramirez, Seth Ramirez, Morgan Ramirez, Christian (Rebekah) Ramirez, Crosse Ramirez, Isaac Ramirez, Samuel Ramirez, Ryan Ramirez, Alexis Ramirez, and Zoe Ramirez, six great-grandchildren: Chloe, Scarlet, Nora, and Violet Peterman, Isaiah Atkins, and Artie Ramirez, siblings: Richard Hurray, Polly (Terry) Wright, Rose (Tom) Schurelle, and David Priore, many nieces and nephews, and found family: Billy, Heather, Grant, and Grace Brumfield, Carol Ramirez, and many others who called her grandma, friend, and neighbor.

Phyllis met her husband Adolph at Calvary Temple, where they later were married and served faithfully for many years in various capacities. Phyllis’s personal relationship with Christ was the highest priority in her life. She was an exciting, dedicated Sunday School teacher who taught with enthusiasm and great preparation. She wasn’t afraid to call the Israelites stupid or have a helper dress up in a goofy costume to get a point across to the children. And there was always a treat to somehow tie into the lesson! Phyllis and Adolph raised their boys to be godly men, and Phyllis took great joy in knowing that all of her children and grandchildren know the way to salvation through accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Her faith never wavered, even in the closing hours of life when she asked Jesus to come take her home to Heaven.

Phyllis was a graduate of Columbus North High School. She worked in retail sales for many years, helping her customers choose the perfect dining furniture, wallpaper, window coverings – creating beautiful homes. She loved color and found the beauty all around her.  

Phyllis cared for Adolph in their home as long as possible before they moved to The Inn at Bear Trail, where Phyllis continued to live until her last hospitalization. Her sons assisted in caring for her as much as possible, for as long as possible. To all those who helped comfort and care for Phyllis in her last days, your dedication and service are greatly appreciated. The family extends our deepest appreciation to the staff at The Inn at Bear Trail, Riverside Hospital, and especially to those at Kobacker House who provided care for both Phyllis and her family in her final days.

Phyllis loved her family. Her sons, their wives, their children, their children’s friends, their dogs and cats- she loved them all. Once you were family, whether ‘legal’ family or ‘like’ family, you were always family for the good and the bad, the laughter and the tears. She was so proud of all of them, for achievements in academics, in sports, in raising their children – for the way they lived their life. There were SO MANY people who called her “Grandma” because she welcomed them into her life and loved them like they were her own.

Everyone who knew Phyllis knows that she could cook…roast beef, marzetti, chicken and noodles. And that she LOVED to bake. Yes, cookies!  But also, pies, German Chocolate cake, pineapple upside down cake, rainbow cake…strawberry cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes…cream puffs… Perhaps that is what you think of first when you think of her.

But Phyllis can be described many ways: she was an encourager, a cheer-leader, an extrovert who was happiest when surrounded by dozens of people all talking and laughing at the same time. The louder it was, the bigger her smile. She was an emotional person who felt things deeply and was easily moved to tears. She was a food critic – she had very high standards for herself and for any food she ‘put in her mouth’ as she loved to say. She was an artist who used fabric, paint, cardboard – so many mediums to create beauty on a budget. She loved bright colors, and would often say that she saw every flower, every leaf on every bush. She was a giver, taking meals to people who were sick or sorrowing, giving anonymous gifts sacrificially when she saw a need. She had the gift of hospitality, sharing her table and opening her home to so many over the years.

Most of all, Phyllis was a person of faith. She loved God and served Him faithfully, energetically, fast and loudly as long as her body allowed. And then she served Him faithfully, slowly, quietly until He took her home to be with Him – where she now worships Him face to face. Loudly and energetically, we are quite certain.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 11^th at Christ The King Worship Center in Delaware, Ohio. The family will greet guests from 10:00-11:30 am, at which time the service will begin. There will be food and fellowship following the service, at 1:00 – because Phyllis would have it no other way. If you have a favorite cookie recipe and would like to bring a batch to share, we know Phyllis would approve.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kobacker House: https://foundation.ohiohealth.com/programs/hospice-giving where the staff provided excellent care for Phyllis and her family in her final days.