Patricia Ann (Simpson) Ramold

Patricia Ann (Simpson) Ramold

Pat was born on February 4, 1939 in Auburn, Nebraska to Albert and Helen Maxine (Howell) Simpson as the oldest of five siblings.  She loved to share stories of her childhood years on the family farm.  

She graduated from Brock High School in 1956 at the age of 17. She attended Peru State College and earned enough credit hours to begin teaching at District 81, a one-room rural school, within her first year of college. Being an educator was Pat’s dream.  She went on to teach at one-room schools including District 70, 13, 53, and 1 as well as at Dunbar and Union Schools and substitute teacher for both local schools.  She treated students as if they were her own children. She cherished every student and treasured letters and cards she received regularly from former students. 

Pat and Donald Ramold were united in marriage on June 20, 1959 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City following a 2-year courtship. To this union of love came four children: Chuck, Stacey, Mary Kay and Dana.  She dearly loved her children and embraced every moment with them.  She especially loved her role as grandma and they love her as much. 

Pat was a dedicated wife and mother.  She was a true partner as she joined her husband with farm work spending long hours discing, cultivating, and hauling grain to elevators. In 1995, she and Don combined farming with her artistic ability and started Pumpkin Ridge Farm. This venture included the inaugural large AppleJack craft fair held on their farm which they have continued to host annually.  Pat felt like the crafters were family. With the teacher’s heart still in her, she loved seeing the smiles on children's faces. Each fall season they open their farm to families and groups with pick-your-own pumpkins, bonfires, hayrack rides, and the beautiful view of the Missouri River atop the bluff.

Pat shared her gifts with others as a gifted artist, eloquent writer and accomplished vocalist including as a member in a dance band during her college years. Pat enjoyed sewing, gardening, planting flowers, playing cards, and traveling. Don and Pat traveled to 49 states with their children. Pat made vacations part adventure and part educational by weaving in history lessons where she could.  She used vacations as a way to introduce her family to different cultures as they traveled through Mexico and across Canada from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Before their own parents fell ill, Pat and Don accompanied them on a tour through Europe where they embraced their heritage.  Her goal was to create memories for others.

Pat’s passion was to serve others. She was pleased to serve Otoe County as a Commissioner for 7 years and finished her public service as the Otoe County Clerk. She was honest, always telling the truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear.  She personally drove miles of roads to ensure they were intact, climbed under bridges to survey the safety of county residents, and always made sure persons with medical conditions had their routes cleared in the event of an emergency.  Pat was highly involved with leadership roles in W.I.F.E. (Women In Farm Economics) and the American Agriculture Movement as well as a member of the Chamber of Commerce. She embodied true servant leadership.    

Pat’s faith was a big part of her life. She helped form her family’s belief system. Pat taught her children how to serve others with her leadership in Catholic Daughters. She and Don served their parish as ushers. Pat loved to teach CCD inspiring children to know their faith and love for God. Even with Alzheimers, she always remembered her prayers and her love for Jesus.

Pat will be deeply missed. She is survived by:  Donald, her husband of nearly 63 years; children, Chuck (Janelle) Ramold of Omaha, NE, Stacey (Lee) Pfeifer of Cornlea, NE, Mary Kay (John) Halliday of Olathe, KS, and Dana Puchalla of Olathe, KS; grandchildren, James Ramold, Jonathan Ramold, Andrew Babl, Joey Babl, Johnny Babl, Ashley Pfeifer, Avery Halliday, Ethan Halliday, Jarrett Halliday, Raegan Halliday, Hayden Halliday, Gabriel Puchalla, Grace Puchalla, Gavin Puchalla and Gianna Puchalla and two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janice Pivonka and husband, Frank and family in Houston, TX; brother, Albert Simpson Jr. and family in St. Joseph, MO other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by:  Her parents Albert and Maxine Simpson, beloved sister, Sharon Wachter and husband Merle, nephews Mark and Bruce Wachter and infant siblings, Connie Sue and Robert Simpson, and her in-laws John and Helen Ramold.

Memorials may be given to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nebr. City.

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