Obituary: Ramble, Phyllis Irene
RAMBLE,
Phyllis Irene
Phyllis Irene Ramble, longtime resident of Colville, WA, passed away September 19, 2012 at age 86.
Phyllis was born March 19, 1926 in Kettle Falls, WA to Clarence and Bessie (Alldredge) Cranston.
Phyllis spent her youth on the family ranch on Sherman Creek attending high school in Marcus, WA, graduating in 1943.
During her junior year she met a fellow classmate, Kenneth “Kenny” Ramble and they married October 11, 1943.
Phyllis and Kenny moved to Colville where she worked as a switchboard operator until 1948 when they began their family of three children.
In 1958, she and Kenny purchased the sporting goods store on North Main, naming the business Ramble’s Sports Shop.
Phyllis and Kenny shared their enthusiasm and love of Northeast Washington with their customers, many of whom became life long friends.
Together they operated Ramble’s Sports Shop for 30 years, serving generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Phyllis loved children, offering special attention to youngsters that came into the shop.
It didn’t matter if they had a dollar or a dime, everyone was welcome.
Ramble’s donated equipment and support to many youth sport programs.
They also served the community at large, working to improve the quality of life in Stevens County.
Phyllis and Kenny closed Ramble’s Sport Shop in the early 90’s, after which they were able to enjoy the outdoor recreation of their beloved mountains in Stevens and Ferry counties.
Despite demands of running a business Phyllis always saved Sundays for family activities, first with her children and later with grandchildren.
Her ability to bring fun to the group was the highlight of these gatherings.
Whether the activity was playing cards, hiking, fishing, boating, cooking or simply taking a walk, Phyllis brought life and adventure to all that she did.
Gathering her family for an afternoon, vacation or holiday, she led with her heart and made each moment memorable.
An excellent cook, her homemade bread, fried chicken, potato salad, chocolate cake and hand-churned ice cream were signature dishes at family events.
Phyllis believed in education, instilling her passion for reading and learning in her children.
There were always books, periodicals, and lively discussions around the kitchen table.
She defended her beliefs and opinions with a passion and intellect that left many a visitor impressed with her ability to navigate the current political climate, no matter the generation.
After raising her children she donated time to several literacy programs for adults and children in the Colville area encouraging education for all.
Phyllis was a life long gardener with a green thumb.
Whatever she planted prospered, be it vegetable, flower, idea, friendship or child.. She offered her love to all and cast no judgments upon others.
She was a treasured wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.
Phyllis is survived by her husband Kenneth Ramble; sons Max Ramble and wife, Janet, Seattle, WA, Alan Ramble and wife, Cheri, Kennewick, WA, daughter, Connie Dormaier and husband, Gary, Spokane, WA; sisters, Doris Kowitz, Kettle Falls, WA and Betty Lou Schmehl, Coeur d’Alene, ID; grandchildren Kirk and Becca Ramble, Kindra Reid, Cayiah, Amanda and K.C.
Ramble, Eric and Katie Dormaier, and Megan Dormaier; great-grandchildren Jeremy Reid, Ryen Eagleson and Hattie Ramble; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service for Phyllis Ramble will begin at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday September 26, 2012 at Colville Community Church, Colville, WA with Pastor Shane Moffitt officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the Colville Public Library or literacy programs.
Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 155 West First Avenue Colville, WA is entrusted with the arrangements.