Richard Holden Ramey, 79, of Sterling, Colorado passed away Jan. 9, 2018 in Sterling. Visitation will be from 10am to 4pm, Thursday, Jan. 11 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 11am to 1pm. Visitation will also be held from 10am to 1pm on Friday prior to the service time at 2pm at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Feather officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Richard was born to Victor and Edith Ramey on July 23, 1938 in Sterling, Colorado. He was the youngest of four siblings. After graduation from Sterling High School he attended college at Colorado State University and the University of Northern Colorado.

Richard married Marilyn Jo Burkhard in Sterling, Colorado on December 14, 1958. They had two children, Jodie Adelle, and Scott Holden. Richard was a dedicated husband and father. He was also a devoted brother to his siblings and especially looked to his older brother, Vic, with respect, admiration, and guidance that never wavered. His sister, Virginia, was always a source of comfort, love and someone to "talk to". He showed his thankfulness and love to them by spending countless hours at their bedside during illness.

Richard was a conservative and humble man and tended to his business and family while always staying close to home. His only yearly vacation was a weekend trip to the National Western Stock Show with his family. It is only fitting that he passed away during stock show season. He had a competitive nature and participated in softball, basketball, golf and bowling throughout his adult years. Richard passed on his love of sports and invested many hours of throwing a softball to his daughter and shooting a basketball with his son. He spent many evenings and weekends at 4-H shows and practices for his children and their horse events. Richard was active in his community as he was involved with Elks, Jaycees, and 4-H leadership. He served his church in various roles and was a member of the church choir sharing his strong and soothing voice. His gifted voice is a memory his children and grandchildren treasure. Richard shared his love of music with Marilyn and they both enjoyed listening and watching The Gaithers in their later years.

Richard owned a shoe store in his early years, where he practiced the retail skills he learnedfrom his mother. He was compassionate and responsible to his customers and made sure they received the best service. He then went on to farm and feed cattle in various ventures. This became a lifestyle for his family and passed down to the generations below him. The love of watching crops grow and livestock thrive, continue today. He had many trials in his agriculture production years that he endured and persevered as many a farmer and rancher have. It brought along with it sorrows and stresses to his life, but again, the lessons he passes on to his children and grandchildren about enduring struggles with grace and humility, and the ability to pick oneself up and keep going, is a trait that will be passed on for generations.

Richard next purchased The Wash Place car wash and laundromat in 1987, and ran that himself every day until retirement. Richard leaves behind a family that respected his ability to worry about them beyond what was probably normal. It always came through as concern and love. They find comfort in knowing he is resting in peace now with an understanding that all is well with his legacy.

Richard is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Scott H. (Gena) Ramey of Anton, CO, daughter Jodie A.(Tom) Jessop of Dalhart, TX, sister Virgina Watson of Sterling, CO, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Edith Ramey, sister Mary Adelle Davis, and brother Victor E. Ramey, Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan County 4-H Horse Program c/o Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.