Barbara A. "Gaye" Ramsbottom

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Barbara A. (Rooney) Ramsbottom, "Gaye," age 105, of Portsmouth died August 31, 2008, at Atria Aquidneck Place, her residence. She was the wife of the late J. Dana Ramsbotttom.

Born in Taunton, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Luke Henry Rooney and the late Mary Alice (Ridings) Rooney, she grew up in Taunton and spent her youth in New Bedford graduating from New Bedford High School in 1921. She then lived at 168 Belmont St., in Fall River for many years, moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1954, returning to Fall River in 1962. She also lived in Somerset for several years before making the Atria in Portsmouth her residence.

A homemaker, Mrs. Ramsbottom was very involved in all of her children's activities. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Fall River and the RI Country Club. She was a worker for the Fall River Chapter of the Red Cross, and a member of the Junior League of Fall River. She was also very active with the Girl Scouts during and after World War II.

Mrs. Ramsbottom was the proud recipient of the Boston Cane which was presented to her in 2005 in honor of her being the eldest resident of Portsmouth, RI.

Survivors include sons, Donald H. Ramsbottom, Sr., Philanthropic Officer at UMass Dartmouth Advancement Office of Portsmouth, RI, William D. Ramsbottom of Macon and Amelia Island, GA; daughters, Elaine Peebles of Greenville, SC and Joan Andrews of North Haven, CT; 22 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; 18 great great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was mother of the late John Dana Ramsbottom, Jr., and Robert M. Ramsbottom.

Her Funeral will be held Friday, September 5, 2008 at 11:00AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. Visiting hours Thursday 4-6 PM. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ramsbottom Family Foundation, c/o UMass Dartmouth Foundation, 287 Old Westport Rd., No. Dartmouth, MA 02741. www.waring-sullivan.com