Susan Rae (Baker) Ramsey, 86, of Grinnell, IA passed away on November 10, 2025, at the Mayflower Community in Grinnell, IA.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Grinnell United Church of Christ, with a reception following at the church.

Please direct any memorial gifts to the Mayflower Community Human Needs Fund or Grinnell United Church of Christ Congregational.

Susan Rae Baker was born on June 7, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Raymond and Lucille. She graduated from Southwest High School in 1957. She then attended Lawrence College, graduating in 1961 with a degree in English, magna cum laude. She was also selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa. During her time at Lawrence, she met the young man who would become the center and love of her life that followed, Richard (Rick) Ramsey. On July 29, 1961, the two were married and began their life together in Menasha Wisconsin, where Sue taught high school English for two years.

In 1963, Rick and Sue made the momentous decision to relocate to Rick's hometown in Grinnell, Iowa where Rick would join the family insurance and real estate business. For the next 62 years, this would be their home. The family grew with the births of their two sons, Mike and Jim, and they settled into a house on College Park Road. Sue was a busy young mother, attending the boys' school and sporting events, tending to her extensive flower and vegetable gardens, and becoming involved in the community. She played tennis and enjoyed the family trips to Pearl Lake, Minnesota in the summer and ski trips to

Winter Park, Colorado in the winter.

Sue contributed her many talents to a variety of community organizations and causes. She was a member of the Grinnell United Church of Christ Congregational and served the church in many capacities: church Sunday school teacher, choir member, chancel committee member, and a term as Moderator. She served on the art committee at Grinnell General Hospital. She was also a member of the Mayflower Board of Trustees and was president of that board when Mayflower celebrated its 50th anniversary. It was noted with pride that her son, Jim Ramsey, was president of the Mayflower Board during the 75th anniversary celebration earlier this year. Sue was a member of Chapter JB, PEO; Levart Club; Magoun Club; and various bridge clubs. In later years, Sue was employed by Stewart Library where she conveyed her love of books and reading. Sue's experience as a foreign exchange student to Denmark during high school led to a life-long interest and commitment to welcome and assist people arriving in Grinnell from foreign countries. Teaching English as a second language to a group of resettled Southeast Asians was her most rewarding experience as a teacher. Over the years, the Ramsey family hosted many international students attending Grinnell College. The Ramsey family also hosted a French high school student, Véronique Sainz. Véronique, her husband, and their daughter remain part of the Ramsey family to this day.

Sue was overjoyed at the births of her four granddaughters. At long last, she could use her creative talents to knit hats and sew dresses for special occasions. As the granddaughters grew, she took great pride in their academic and career accomplishments, often cheering them on from the audience or bleachers.

Sue is survived by her husband, Rick, her son Mike (Lindy) of Westerville, Ohio, her son Jim of Grinnell, and four granddaughters: Samantha Ramsey (Anden) of Iowa City, Rachel Ramsey (Daniel) of Albuquerque, Sarah Ramsey of Indianapolis and Leah Ramsey of Chicago. Sue was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jim Baker.