Clarice Mae Ramsey

1925 - 2026

Clarice Mae (Siekmann) Ramsey

November 3, 1925 - February 27, 2026

Clarice Mae (Siekmann) Ramsey passed away on February 27, 2026. She was lovingly celebrated by her family on her 100th birthday last November.

Born on November 3rd, 1925 in Culbertson, NE to L. Henry and Amy (Lewis) Siekmann. She grew up across Nebraska, following the education career of her father, in places such as Diller, Lincoln, Dix, and Wood River. While in high school in Arcadia, she fell in love with the boy next door, Bill Ramsey.

Clarice graduated from Hastings College where she majored in education. She was named as the 1947 Bronco Award winner which is given to the most outstanding senior. Shortly after graduating when Bill returned from the war, Clarice and Bill were married on August 11, 1947. Clarice began her career as an educator in Nelson, NE and then moved to Lincoln where she served as the Director of the Havelock YWCA.

Eventually, she returned to the classroom at Mickle Junior High, where she taught social studies. She earned both her Masters and Doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska while teaching and raising her family. While pursuing her doctorate, she began teaching in the Education Department at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Clarice taught social studies and English methods as well as courses in creativity and higher-level thinking. She was honored twice as the Lincoln Public Schools "Thank You Teacher" as a University Teacher and also as a Retired Teacher.

In retirement, Clarice enjoyed playing bridge, playing golf at Hillcrest Country Club, and traveling. She was an active member of St. Paul Methodist Church.

Clarice was a woman who opened many doors that had been previously closed to women. Her leadership served as an example to many. She taught many what it meant to be an educator as well as teaching others how to have high expectations for their students.

She is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Jacobson of Lincoln and Pat Ramsey of Santa Barbara; her granddaughter, Amy Jacobson (Devin Martinez) of Indianapolis; several nieces and nephews, including Iris and Howard Brown of Wichita.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ramsey; her sister, Margaret Walker; and her parents, Henry and Amy Siekmann.

The family would like to thank the staff of Country House (Pine Lake) and Peaceful Hearts Hospice for the loving care they gave to her in her final years.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Methodist Church in Lincoln on Tuesday, March 3 at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Dr. Clarice Ramsey Scholarship Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation, P.O. Box 82555, Lincoln NE 60501-2555.