Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
84 Broad Street
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Ralph Ramsdell Obituary
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine - Ralph Ivan Ramsdell, 77, of South Berwick, Maine, died peacefully Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at the Hyder Hospice House in Dover, New Hampshire.
He was born in Waterville, Maine on July 27, 1935, the son of the late Leigh and Ada (Spaulding) Ramsdell.
Ralph was a self-employed painting contractor and proprietor of Ramsdell and Son Painting. He spent most of his life on the seacoast and he attended Bible Speaks in South Berwick, Maine.
Ralph was a genuine, hardworking man who lived an adventurous life. He enjoyed racing cars and was an avid coin collector and outdoorsman. At the age of 65, he started skydiving and was known as "Bumpa the Jumpa." He especially loved spending time with his faithful companion a pug named "Baby."
Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Bette (Kew) Ramsdell; daughter, Traci Ramsdell and brothers, William, Leigh, Charles and Bradley.
Survivors include his children, Mark Ramsdell, Leigh Ramsdell, Stephen Brown, Michelle Young and Rhonda Young; grandchildren, Leigh, Nicholas, Sierra, Dustin, Nathan, Regina, Nicole, Daniel, Casey, Caytlin, and Lauren; sisters, Jennie Mae Lesnewsky and Jean Ramsdell and several great-grandchildren.
Services: Memorial visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2013 at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home-Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, with a memorial service following at 11 a.m., friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to South Berwick Community Food Pantry, c/o South Berwick Community Center, 71 Norton Street, South Berwick, Maine 03908 and/or Cocheco Valley Humane Society, 262 County Farm Road, Dover, N.H. 03820. www.cvhsonline.org/makedonation.cfm. Please visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book, send a private condolence, gift or sympathy card.
Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Ramsdell
Michelle Young
July 13, 2013
Hi Big Daddy!! Its Schell-Bell as you called me when I knew I wasnt in trouble haha. I hope you are enjoying time back with Mom and Traci, Im sure they are happy to see you again as we miss you here, but we will all be together again before ya know it..alot of people remember your laugh, as Im reading alot of comments. I remember you and I, while I was in labor with your first granddaughter, Casey Rian, blowing up gloves and kicking them around the hospital hallway and you laughing so hard cuz I could barely lift my foot to kick it! Say Hi to Mom and Traci and everyone for me ok? Tell her about Isaiah, Maddox and Lauren. Many times of peace, joy and love to you and them. I love you Daddy. Im going to spread your ashes on Mom and Traci's grave this week, even though I know its just your earthly body and your soul is forever happy now but I still think you would want it to be there. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU DADDY and find myself using alot that Ive learned from you while raising our new grandson, Maddy and our adopted son, Isaiah. Thank you. Thank you for life and thanx for making it good.
Rick Savageau
March 27, 2013
Michelle and Rhonda,
Your dad was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Reflecting back on our times in the village were lots of fun times. I hope in time your loss will strengthen your bonds of family. I am again sorry for your loss.
Cathe Gobron
March 22, 2013
Rhonda & family, So very sorry to hear of your father's passing. He sounds like he was a wonderful father/grandfather. I hope your memories bring you peace. Thinking of you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Champagne
March 19, 2013
Rhonda, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You'll be in my prayers to receive peace and comfort. Mary Champagne
Tom O'Neil
March 15, 2013
I have fond memories of working with Ralph in "The Village" riding in his van on trips to Wakefield and watching his race car go around in circles at the track.Good guy.
Mark Phillips
March 14, 2013
I have a lot of great memories of Ralph and his exploits in the "Village Years". He loved a good joke and was always a devoted family man. He had an uncanny knack for making something from nothing and was a hard worker his whole life and a true patriot. God Bless him and his family.
Diane Nault
March 12, 2013
So sorry to hear of the loss of Ralph .We have known him for a very long time.Was one of the great ones. He will be missed by alot. His laugh was the best . We knew he was in the neighborhood when we heard it.RIP .God Bless you all.. Armand and Diane Nault
Tina Tyo(Roux)
March 11, 2013
Sorry to hear of the loss of Ralph. Yes he did have a great smile and laugh. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.Keeping all his memories with you in this time of need will help.
susan sawtelle
March 10, 2013
I was so sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. Seeing his smiling face brought back such fond memories of our years working together at "The Village". Ralph was such a good hearted and always a good natured man. As I think of him now it is his laugh that I remember most. We had so many fun times and I will always hold dear all the good memories. Please know that my thoughts are with you and his beloved "Baby".
Sue Sawtelle
Mary Young
March 10, 2013
Our condolences to Ralph's family...We only knew him for about 6 months since we moved to the Grant House, but we chatted with him everyday and will miss him very much. Mary and Kathy
Arthur & Beth Huff
March 9, 2013
So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. We knew Ralph & Bette from TBS. He so enjoyed his Baby. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Casey McDaniel
March 8, 2013
Hi bumpa,
Just wanted to send you a little message letting you know not a minute goes by that I don't think of you. I know you are looking down on us and smiling with Nana. You two were such important people in my life, words can't express. Rest easy Bumpa. Free from pain, free from stress, and forever young. I'll see you in the next life. Until then I will hold you in my heart.
"If there ever comes a day that we can't be together. Keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."- Winnie the Pooh
Love,
Casey Rian
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Ralph Ramsdell's name
Memorial Events
for Ralph Ramsdell
Funeral services provided by:
J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel - Portsmouth84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Ramsdell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
