David Ramage

In the early morning hours of December 23, 2016, David R. Ramage was finally granted the peace and freedom from pain he sought for the past few years. His battle with ulcerative colitis ended, and as his wish, he died at home with his wife at his side. Leaving behind to mourn his loss and share memories are his wife of 21 years, Diane Rihely Ramage, his sister-in-law, Janice M. Rihely, of Pittsburgh; his cousin, Nancy Wright of Arkansas; and his nearby extended family and many friends throughout the United States. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh B. and Tina Reese Ramage; his brother, H.B. Ramage and his nephew John Ramage. He was born in Holdenville, Oklahoma, attended public school, Oklahoma City College and Oklahoma University. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in WWII, and was stationed in China, near the end of the Korean War. He was partner with his brother in their floral business in Oklahoma and he served as Undersheriff of his home county. At the request of then Congressman, Tom Steed (D-OK) he moved to Washington D.C. in 1955. He was employed in various positions with the U.S. House of Representatives until his retirement as Majority Clerk in 1991. During his tenure, he was appointed by both Republican and Democrat Speakers to a number of positions. He loved his wife, his country, Oklahoma, to laugh, to travels (worldwide) and life in general. He jokingly referred to himself as “A Great American”. He truly was, as politics played a major role in his life. An Avid golfer, he played The Capitol Hill Golf League, for the entire time the league existed. David was witty, kind, generous, and a true humanitarian, who helped many people throughout his life. Whatever he had, if you needed it, it became yours. He made every effort to always remain in contact with family and friends near and far, and he believed and practiced, if someone came to mind, you needed to contact them. A special thanks is extended to Dr. Monica Farland, Dr. Jonathan McClure; his caregiver, Kim Gorman; and to the Right at Home caregivers, Cathy Krise-Jones (a.k.a, Sarge), Nancy Dure (a.k.a., Shorty and Miss Pepsi) and to Dawn Johnston, for their loving attention and care for the last several years. In addition, the family wishes to acknowledge the kind and loving care given by Gallagher Home Health Services Nurse, Jessica Hill, and to the team at Heritage Hospice for the past several weeks. At David’s request, there was no funeral service. Private interment will be held at a later date at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park mausoleum. If desired, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the charity of your choice. Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers. That is all he would ask.