Ramsey, Rose I. Harms

Rose I. Harms Ramsey died Friday, May 11, 2012, with her children and grandchildren by her side. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Father John Spiegel officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City, where Catholic Daughters will recite a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and the family will share their memories at 7 p.m.

Rose was born Oct. 18, 1945, to Fred C and Bertha Cole Harms of Solon, Iowa. She attended Regina High School and was a long time member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City. She was a past regent for Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Rose was an accomplished bagpipe player, beginning with her days as a piper in the University of Iowa Scottish Highlanders. She continued that passion with the Cincinnati Caledonian Pipe Band, where she was a cherished member for many years.

Rose loved to travel, including trips to Russia, Germany, Alaska, and Hawaii. She shared her love of baking, especially kolaches, with her grandchildren. She was a highly valued employee of Procter & Gamble both in Iowa City, Iowa and Cincinnati, Ohio, for 20 years. She passed on her sewing skills to her daughter and granddaughter, who loved the opportunity to spend time with her. She spent countless hours creating uniforms, costumes, and dresses for her children's and grandchildren's activities.

Rose also spent many years coaching girls softball and was instrumental in the development of the Iowa City Girls Softball Complex at Napoleon Park.

She was a faithful friend to many, and a best friend to her children and grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

She leaves behind five children: Eve Ramsey of Columbus, Ohio, Hansel Ramsey of Avon, Conn., Ellen Ramsey-Kacena and her spouse, Tom Kacena, of Swisher, Jermaine Ramsey of Hills and MaryKatherine Ramsey and Larry Foster, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio; nine beloved grandchildren: Thomas (Mickey) Kacena, Larry Foster III, Lacey Foster, Todd Turner, Josh Kacena, Delaney-Rose Ramsey, Caidyn Foster, Elizabeth Kacena and Audrey Ramsey-Foster. Rose was also a loving stepgreat-grandmother to three great granddaughters. She leaves behind many friends and loved ones in Cincinnati, Ohio and Iowa who will miss her terribly.

We are very grateful for the extraordinary generosity of friends and family who loved and supported us through this sad time. Special thanks to Arthur Lee and Darlene Gibson for their friendship and faithfulness. We extend our gratitude to her friend, Dixie Meyers.

In lieu of flowers, the Rose Ramsey Memorial Fund has been established.

Published May 13, 2012 in The Gazette