KILMARNOCK—Patricia Colleen Ramey (nee Johns), 86, of Kilmarnock passed away on July 7, 2026.
Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on March 17, 1940, Pat was the youngest daughter of Harvey and Hulda Mae (Foust) Johns.
She was preceded in death by parents; husband, John W. Ramey; brother, Glenn Johns; sisters, Mildred Buxbaum, Twila Nelson and Jetta Toth; and sister-in-law, Faye Frietsch. She was also preceded in death by longtime friend and companion, Don Reilly; and nephews, Pete Nelson, Vincent Nelson, Scott Buxbaum and Michael Frietsch.
She is survived by nieces and nephews, Terry Buxbaum, Bonnie McClure, Cheri Haynes, Tim Johns, Don Toth, Todd Toth, Randall Buxbaum, John Carl Frietsch and David Frietsch; their respective partners and spouses; the Reilly children; Goddaughter, Catherine Rogers; special companion, Lawrence Barrack; and her best friend and pastor, Mary Dell Sigler. In addition, there are nearly 20 grandnieces and grandnephews who experienced the joy of their Great Aunt Pat.
Pat graduated from Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. In 1958, she launched a 36-year career at the Washington Gas Light company where she shone brightly. It was there that she met John Ramey and the rest is history. In 1994, they both retired and quickly departed the Beltway bustle to the serene lifestyle of the Northern Neck where the smooth water of Lawrence Cove awaited them.
A gifted watercolor artist, Pat was passionate about her work. She attended several Rappahannock Art League workshops, received numerous awards, and her work was featured in exhibits around the area. Her paintings clearly demonstrate her love for nature and life on the water.
Earlier in her life, Pat enjoyed sailing, collecting shells on the beach, was an avid photographer and accomplished skier.
What truly defined Pat, however, was the profound time and interest she invested in her family and friends. She never missed a chance to check in, catch up, and sincerely ask how everyone was “getting along.” This enduring loyalty allowed her to maintain close relationships with high school friends and former work colleagues for decades after their paths diverged.
A longtime member of the Kilmarnock Baptist Church, Pat sang in the choir and quietly enjoyed critiquing sermons as a secret hobby. While steadfast in her faith, she was slow to judge others and gracefully accepted people exactly as they were. Be Like Pat.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Kilmarnock Baptist Church in Kilmarnock. Visitation began one hour prior at 1 p.m. A reception was held at the church immediately following the service.
A graveside service took place at 1 p.m. Monday, July 13, at Richland Cemetery in Johnstown, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s name to RAL Art Center, https://www.ralartcenter.com/, Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck https://awlnnk.org/ or Kilmarnock Baptist Church https://www.kilmarnockbaptistchurch.net/.
The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Pat’s large community of friends and neighbors who were always there to help with whatever she needed. You know who you are.
