June 25, 1938 - November 2, 2018
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mom and grandma-grammie Shirley Fae Ramsay formerly of Alix on November 2, 2018 at the age of 80 years.
Shirley was born south of Haynes and was home schooled, then attended the Stone School, eventually graduating from Alix School. Upon graduation she worked at the Royal Bank in Alix and then continued on to an administrative position with the Department of Highways in Red Deer.
Shirley married Alger and lived in a variety places in Alberta while Alger worked building highways. In 1962 they moved to the farm east of Alix. There they raised their family and worked together to build a trucking business, raise Polled Hereford cattle and grain farmed. Shirley knew the importance of contributing to the community and was president of the Alix Figuring Skating Club which led her to become a Canadian Figure Skating judge. For 10 years, Shirley was the Recreation Director for the Town of Alix. At this time, improvements were made to the Alix Arena, ball diamonds were built and parks created. In October 1986, Shirley was elected as a County of Lacombe Councillor for Division 1. Shirley was one of the first women to be elected to council. At this time being a County Councillor involved both being a Councillor and a School Trustee. Shirley was also the Chairman of the Red Deer Regional Health Unit. During her time on Council, she was appointed as Deputy Reeve, eventually Reeve, being the first female Reeve from 1996-2001 for the County of Lacombe and the fourth in the Province. As Shirley was becoming known provincially, Premier Don Getty stopped in at the farm one Friday evening on his way home to ask Shirley if she would consider running for the PC Candidate for the Lacombe Constituency. After careful consideration, she respectfully declined. She was instrumental in bringing Westcan Malting to Alix. Later, Shirley worked as the Community Liaison Officer for Rahr Malting. Shirley had a great love of travel and she and Alger made many trips overseas to Australia, New Zealand, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Europe, and the United Kingdom. They also traveled extensively through Canada and the United States.
In 2013, Shirley moved to Red Deer where she resided until December 2017 when she moved to Rimbey to be closer to family. Shirley particularly enjoyed spending time at Scottish Highland events to cheer on her two youngest granddaughters while they highland danced and to go for those evening walks.
Shirley is survived by her children Tammie, Terry and "the twins" Bonnie and Bill and their spouses and partners, 4 grandchildren Mackenzie, Shelby, Amber and Kaelan, 2 nephews and a niece.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband Alger, parents Fred and Viola, sister Marlene and brother in law Ken. Shirley was a trailblazer, some often said a woman before her time. Shirley was highly respected and when she spoke, you listened. Following Shirley's request there will be no service, inurnment at the Stone Cemetery, Lacombe County.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Parkinson's Association of Alberta, 6835 Railway St. SE #120 Calgary, Alberta T2H 2V6. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca.
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey
in charge of arrangements.
Phone 403-782-3366 or 403-843-3388
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM