Carol E. Ramsden

Carol E. Ramsden, age 79, of rural Highland passed away January 9, 2019, at home after the difficult journey of the unforgiving disease of ALS. She was born December 12, 1939, in Dodgeville, WI daughter of Milo and Wilma (Anderson) Mellum. She started accordion lessons at age 8 taught by Rudy Burkhalter of Madison. She played “Skaters Waltz” on Public Radio at age 9. She graduated from Cobb High School in 1957. She was then employed at General Telephone Co. and Corner Drug at Dodgeville. She was a member for 11 years, receiving the key award, wrote two essays which were read on Public Radio and was a 4-H leader for many years. She and Vince enjoyed working at the Iowa County Fair. Carol had a deep love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Otter Creek Lutheran Church. Carol and Vince were married October 7, 1962. They were members of Avoca United Methodist Church since then. Carol was church organist for 50 years, together with Vince they sang for many funerals and other occasions. Carol played for Highland Presbyterian also, and was a member of Presbyterian Women. God was the center of her life. Carol and Vince opened their hearts and home to at least 45 foster children and each one was special. Carol loved country living and felt enormous empathy for all living creatures. Throughout her life time, she gave freely of her time, talent and treasures, to those in need. She and Vince were leaders of Volunteers in Mission, leading to disaster all needy areas for many years, all over the U.S. She enjoyed helping Vince organize hundreds of trips. She went on 77 missions’ trips and Vince 104. Carol loved being a farm wife and Forest View Farms Inc. She liked hats, caps and flannel shirts, but also enjoyed being a lady. She was honest, opinionated and unafraid to give advice and stand up for what she believed. Her interests were animals, nature, loving her family, playing organ and piano, gospel music, reading, walking and a fan of Garrison Keillor, Michael Perry and Jerry Apps. She loved unconditionally and was hurt by acts of cruelty by man, to people, animals and our planet. Survivors include her children, Vaughn (Barbara) Ramsden of Spring Green, Carlene Ramsden of Highland, Craig Ramsden of Highland, Victoria (Brian) Shanley of Onalaska, WI; special foster daughter, Corrina (Casey) Zoha of Montfort; siblings, LeRoy (Joan) Mellum of Waunakee, Jo Ann (Dean) Putz of Muscoda, David (Barbara) Mellum of Highland; other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vincent on August 29, 2014. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center. Rev. Ramon Orton will officiate with burial in the Avoca Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home and also on Wednesday at the funeral home from Noon until the time of services. Garrison Keillor said “We are all ordinary people….and that’s alright”! www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com She wishes memorials to be given to the family to be used for animal care.

Carol E. Ramsden

December 12, 1939 - January 9, 2019