Gary Ramsey

Gary Lee Ramsey, 81, passed away at his home in Ronan, Montana, on February 14, 2026.

Gary was born on February 5, 1945, in a house in Polson, Montana, to George H. and Mary E. Ramsey. He was raised in Polson and spent his junior year of high school in Juneau, Alaska, returning to Polson to graduate from Polson High School in 1963. He later attended Spokane Community College, where he earned a degree in Auto Mechanics.

In October 1966, he married Ruth Spaulding; they later divorced in September 1974. In June 1987, he married Delores Courville; she preceded him in death in May 2000. In June 2014, he married Linda Hansen; she preceded him in death in November 2025.

Throughout his life, Gary held many jobs and was known for his strong work ethic. He worked as a farmhand through high school. He served as a missionary for the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church in Juneau, Alaska. While living in Alaska, he worked as a taxi driver for three different cab companies, as a commercial fisherman, and for the State of Alaska in Sitka and Juneau, where he maintained State Trooper vehicles and operated a snowplow. After returning to Montana, he worked for Samson Tug & Barge in Sitka, Alaska; Frank Daniels Construction in Ronan, Montana; and Nicolson & Son Construction in Hungry Horse, Montana. He later retired on disability.

Gary was a 4-H member and participated in Vocational Agriculture and FFA during high school. He loved tinkering and fixing things and had a gift for improvising creative solutions—earning him the affectionate nickname “MacGyver.” He enjoyed fishing, sailing, boating, bike riding, dog sledding, dancing, driving, playing guitar, exploring the mountains and back roads, spending time in nature, and visiting with family and friends.

Above all, Gary’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and without reservation. He also embraced his nieces and nephews as his own, believing that love—not blood—defined family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters; his sons; several nieces and nephews; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Leeann Ramsey; Jody Ramsey (Shelly); and Jamila James; as well as many bonus sons and daughters, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his sisters, Sandra Kelley Stewart and Joyce Madsen.

He will be remembered for his steady presence, his resourcefulness, and the way he showed up for the people he loved.

Services will be held on July 11, 2026, in the Ronan/Polson area. Details are yet to be determined and will be announced at a later date.

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