Samantha (Spink) Ramsay died unexpectedly on July 30, 2017, in Valais, Switzerland, at the age of 41, attempting to summit the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
Samantha was born on Feb. 16, 1976, in Coeur d’Alene to Patricia Raye Daniel and Donald Ray Spink. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1994, and earned a scholarship to play volleyball at Penn State University. After transferring to Washington State University, Samantha continued playing volleyball where she earned a bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition, and a master’s degree in human nutrition. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho.
Last May, she joined the tenured faculty as an Associate Professor of Food and Nutrition at the University of Idaho’s Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Samantha was dedicated to her research, which helped establish improvements throughout the world in feeding young children. Her work allowed her to travel internationally, where she touched the lives of everyone whom she came in contact. As a professor, she mentored and inspired hundreds of students and colleagues. She developed an intimate network of talented nutrition experts that will continue her academic legacy.
In 1999, while attending Washington State University, Samantha met Robert Arthur Ramsay, her first true love, and the couple married in December 2000. In 2005, Samantha and Robert welcomed their first son, Ryan Matthew Ramsay into the world. Shortly after, in 2008, the couple was blessed with their second son, Reid Jonathan Ramsay.
Samantha’s passion for alpine mountaineering, skiing, running, biking and outdoor recreating was where she loved to push her body to the limits, take on new challenges and found peace. Her deep love for adventure was what inspired her to live each day to the fullest. She initiated and encouraged others to share in her adventurous spirit. She surrounded herself with family and friends, who always felt her positive energy, laughter, passion for life, strength and genuine love for them all. Samantha was truly inspirational in all aspects of her life.
Above all, Samantha’s life was centered on her deep love for her boys, Ryan and Reidar. She was a devoted mother who taught the value of hard work, honesty and compassion, which will forever live on within her boys. After losing her husband, Robert, in August 2016, to complications from brain cancer, Samantha’s incredible strength successfully carried her through the difficulties she faced as a single mother. Like everything else in her life, she embraced adversity and took on challenges with a positive attitude.
Survivors names omitted per findagrave policy.
Sam was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Arthur Ramsay of Vancouver; grandparents Richard and Dorothy Spink of Coeur d’Alene, John and Louise Daniel of Great Falls, Mont., Francis “Bud” and Meta Perry of Coeur d’Alene, and George and Millie Doherty of Missoula, Mont.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to the following charitable organizations important to Samantha and Robert: Voices Against Brain Cancer, Oregon Health and Science University Foundation, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Foundation, or the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Idaho.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time.
Samantha, we are so proud of you. You made us all better human beings. Taken from an anonymous quote you shared with us, we will honor you and “Cross oceans for people, climb mountains…no conditions attached. Life and love is about what you give.” We will miss you forever.
Coeur d'Alene Press August 17, 2017
=====
Faculty and staff at the University of Idaho began mourning one of their own Monday when it was announced Samantha Ramsay, an assistant professor of nutrition at the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, died Sunday after being struck by lightning while climbing the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
Ramsay's husband, former professional baseball player Rob Ramsay, died Aug. 4, 2016, after a yearslong battle with brain cancer. The couple is survived by two sons - Ryan, 12, and Reidar, 9.
Samantha Ramsay, 41, was "always on the go," family friend Shawn O'Neal said. "She was the most alive person I ever knew. She and Rob both were."
O'Neal said while she struggled with the death of her husband, she was rarely anything less than enthusiastic, active and energetic.
"I could tell she was hurting, but she hid it for the most part," he said.
Aside from her outdoor adventures by herself, with friends and colleagues, O'Neal said a major part of Samantha Ramsay's focus was on her sons.
"She was the kind of mom that wanted her kids to be like her, to be active and always doing something," O'Neal said.
Samantha Ramsay seems to have always maintained a high level of activity, having played volleyball for Penn State for two and a half years before finishing up her degree - and college volleyball career - at Washington State University, where she met her husband.
UI President Chuck Staben also addressed the loss in a university statement.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Samantha Ramsay, a highly regarded faculty member in our College of Agricultural and Life Sciences," Staben wrote in the emailed statement.
Staben offered the university's thoughts and condolences to Samantha Ramsay's family, friends and colleagues.
"We join the entire Vandal family in mourning the loss of a talented instructor, respected colleague and caring member of the UI community," he wrote.
O'Neal, who said he hadn't yet had time to process the death of his friend - four days short of a year after her husband died - called the relatively short time he had the couple in his life "a blessing."
"These were ... sterling, active people," he said.
Samantha Ramsay had taught at the UI since 2010.
Lewiston Tribune August 2, 2017
Samantha was born on Feb. 16, 1976, in Coeur d’Alene to Patricia Raye Daniel and Donald Ray Spink. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1994, and earned a scholarship to play volleyball at Penn State University. After transferring to Washington State University, Samantha continued playing volleyball where she earned a bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition, and a master’s degree in human nutrition. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho.
Last May, she joined the tenured faculty as an Associate Professor of Food and Nutrition at the University of Idaho’s Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Samantha was dedicated to her research, which helped establish improvements throughout the world in feeding young children. Her work allowed her to travel internationally, where she touched the lives of everyone whom she came in contact. As a professor, she mentored and inspired hundreds of students and colleagues. She developed an intimate network of talented nutrition experts that will continue her academic legacy.
In 1999, while attending Washington State University, Samantha met Robert Arthur Ramsay, her first true love, and the couple married in December 2000. In 2005, Samantha and Robert welcomed their first son, Ryan Matthew Ramsay into the world. Shortly after, in 2008, the couple was blessed with their second son, Reid Jonathan Ramsay.
Samantha’s passion for alpine mountaineering, skiing, running, biking and outdoor recreating was where she loved to push her body to the limits, take on new challenges and found peace. Her deep love for adventure was what inspired her to live each day to the fullest. She initiated and encouraged others to share in her adventurous spirit. She surrounded herself with family and friends, who always felt her positive energy, laughter, passion for life, strength and genuine love for them all. Samantha was truly inspirational in all aspects of her life.
Above all, Samantha’s life was centered on her deep love for her boys, Ryan and Reidar. She was a devoted mother who taught the value of hard work, honesty and compassion, which will forever live on within her boys. After losing her husband, Robert, in August 2016, to complications from brain cancer, Samantha’s incredible strength successfully carried her through the difficulties she faced as a single mother. Like everything else in her life, she embraced adversity and took on challenges with a positive attitude.
Survivors names omitted per findagrave policy.
Sam was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Arthur Ramsay of Vancouver; grandparents Richard and Dorothy Spink of Coeur d’Alene, John and Louise Daniel of Great Falls, Mont., Francis “Bud” and Meta Perry of Coeur d’Alene, and George and Millie Doherty of Missoula, Mont.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to the following charitable organizations important to Samantha and Robert: Voices Against Brain Cancer, Oregon Health and Science University Foundation, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Foundation, or the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Idaho.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time.
Samantha, we are so proud of you. You made us all better human beings. Taken from an anonymous quote you shared with us, we will honor you and “Cross oceans for people, climb mountains…no conditions attached. Life and love is about what you give.” We will miss you forever.
Coeur d'Alene Press August 17, 2017
=====
Faculty and staff at the University of Idaho began mourning one of their own Monday when it was announced Samantha Ramsay, an assistant professor of nutrition at the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, died Sunday after being struck by lightning while climbing the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
Ramsay's husband, former professional baseball player Rob Ramsay, died Aug. 4, 2016, after a yearslong battle with brain cancer. The couple is survived by two sons - Ryan, 12, and Reidar, 9.
Samantha Ramsay, 41, was "always on the go," family friend Shawn O'Neal said. "She was the most alive person I ever knew. She and Rob both were."
O'Neal said while she struggled with the death of her husband, she was rarely anything less than enthusiastic, active and energetic.
"I could tell she was hurting, but she hid it for the most part," he said.
Aside from her outdoor adventures by herself, with friends and colleagues, O'Neal said a major part of Samantha Ramsay's focus was on her sons.
"She was the kind of mom that wanted her kids to be like her, to be active and always doing something," O'Neal said.
Samantha Ramsay seems to have always maintained a high level of activity, having played volleyball for Penn State for two and a half years before finishing up her degree - and college volleyball career - at Washington State University, where she met her husband.
UI President Chuck Staben also addressed the loss in a university statement.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Samantha Ramsay, a highly regarded faculty member in our College of Agricultural and Life Sciences," Staben wrote in the emailed statement.
Staben offered the university's thoughts and condolences to Samantha Ramsay's family, friends and colleagues.
"We join the entire Vandal family in mourning the loss of a talented instructor, respected colleague and caring member of the UI community," he wrote.
O'Neal, who said he hadn't yet had time to process the death of his friend - four days short of a year after her husband died - called the relatively short time he had the couple in his life "a blessing."
"These were ... sterling, active people," he said.
Samantha Ramsay had taught at the UI since 2010.
Lewiston Tribune August 2, 2017
Samantha (Spink) Ramsay died unexpectedly on July 30, 2017, in Valais, Switzerland, at the age of 41, attempting to summit the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
Samantha was born on Feb. 16, 1976, in Coeur d’Alene to Patricia Raye Daniel and Donald Ray Spink. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1994, and earned a scholarship to play volleyball at Penn State University. After transferring to Washington State University, Samantha continued playing volleyball where she earned a bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition, and a master’s degree in human nutrition. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho.
Last May, she joined the tenured faculty as an Associate Professor of Food and Nutrition at the University of Idaho’s Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Samantha was dedicated to her research, which helped establish improvements throughout the world in feeding young children. Her work allowed her to travel internationally, where she touched the lives of everyone whom she came in contact. As a professor, she mentored and inspired hundreds of students and colleagues. She developed an intimate network of talented nutrition experts that will continue her academic legacy.
In 1999, while attending Washington State University, Samantha met Robert Arthur Ramsay, her first true love, and the couple married in December 2000. In 2005, Samantha and Robert welcomed their first son, Ryan Matthew Ramsay into the world. Shortly after, in 2008, the couple was blessed with their second son, Reid Jonathan Ramsay.
Samantha’s passion for alpine mountaineering, skiing, running, biking and outdoor recreating was where she loved to push her body to the limits, take on new challenges and found peace. Her deep love for adventure was what inspired her to live each day to the fullest. She initiated and encouraged others to share in her adventurous spirit. She surrounded herself with family and friends, who always felt her positive energy, laughter, passion for life, strength and genuine love for them all. Samantha was truly inspirational in all aspects of her life.
Above all, Samantha’s life was centered on her deep love for her boys, Ryan and Reidar. She was a devoted mother who taught the value of hard work, honesty and compassion, which will forever live on within her boys. After losing her husband, Robert, in August 2016, to complications from brain cancer, Samantha’s incredible strength successfully carried her through the difficulties she faced as a single mother. Like everything else in her life, she embraced adversity and took on challenges with a positive attitude.
Survivors names omitted per findagrave policy.
Sam was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Arthur Ramsay of Vancouver; grandparents Richard and Dorothy Spink of Coeur d’Alene, John and Louise Daniel of Great Falls, Mont., Francis “Bud” and Meta Perry of Coeur d’Alene, and George and Millie Doherty of Missoula, Mont.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to the following charitable organizations important to Samantha and Robert: Voices Against Brain Cancer, Oregon Health and Science University Foundation, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Foundation, or the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Idaho.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time.
Samantha, we are so proud of you. You made us all better human beings. Taken from an anonymous quote you shared with us, we will honor you and “Cross oceans for people, climb mountains…no conditions attached. Life and love is about what you give.” We will miss you forever.
Coeur d'Alene Press August 17, 2017
=====
Faculty and staff at the University of Idaho began mourning one of their own Monday when it was announced Samantha Ramsay, an assistant professor of nutrition at the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, died Sunday after being struck by lightning while climbing the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
Ramsay's husband, former professional baseball player Rob Ramsay, died Aug. 4, 2016, after a yearslong battle with brain cancer. The couple is survived by two sons - Ryan, 12, and Reidar, 9.
Samantha Ramsay, 41, was "always on the go," family friend Shawn O'Neal said. "She was the most alive person I ever knew. She and Rob both were."
O'Neal said while she struggled with the death of her husband, she was rarely anything less than enthusiastic, active and energetic.
"I could tell she was hurting, but she hid it for the most part," he said.
Aside from her outdoor adventures by herself, with friends and colleagues, O'Neal said a major part of Samantha Ramsay's focus was on her sons.
"She was the kind of mom that wanted her kids to be like her, to be active and always doing something," O'Neal said.
Samantha Ramsay seems to have always maintained a high level of activity, having played volleyball for Penn State for two and a half years before finishing up her degree - and college volleyball career - at Washington State University, where she met her husband.
UI President Chuck Staben also addressed the loss in a university statement.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Samantha Ramsay, a highly regarded faculty member in our College of Agricultural and Life Sciences," Staben wrote in the emailed statement.
Staben offered the university's thoughts and condolences to Samantha Ramsay's family, friends and colleagues.
"We join the entire Vandal family in mourning the loss of a talented instructor, respected colleague and caring member of the UI community," he wrote.
O'Neal, who said he hadn't yet had time to process the death of his friend - four days short of a year after her husband died - called the relatively short time he had the couple in his life "a blessing."
"These were ... sterling, active people," he said.
Samantha Ramsay had taught at the UI since 2010.
Lewiston Tribune August 2, 2017
Samantha was born on Feb. 16, 1976, in Coeur d’Alene to Patricia Raye Daniel and Donald Ray Spink. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1994, and earned a scholarship to play volleyball at Penn State University. After transferring to Washington State University, Samantha continued playing volleyball where she earned a bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition, and a master’s degree in human nutrition. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho.
Last May, she joined the tenured faculty as an Associate Professor of Food and Nutrition at the University of Idaho’s Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Samantha was dedicated to her research, which helped establish improvements throughout the world in feeding young children. Her work allowed her to travel internationally, where she touched the lives of everyone whom she came in contact. As a professor, she mentored and inspired hundreds of students and colleagues. She developed an intimate network of talented nutrition experts that will continue her academic legacy.
In 1999, while attending Washington State University, Samantha met Robert Arthur Ramsay, her first true love, and the couple married in December 2000. In 2005, Samantha and Robert welcomed their first son, Ryan Matthew Ramsay into the world. Shortly after, in 2008, the couple was blessed with their second son, Reid Jonathan Ramsay.
Samantha’s passion for alpine mountaineering, skiing, running, biking and outdoor recreating was where she loved to push her body to the limits, take on new challenges and found peace. Her deep love for adventure was what inspired her to live each day to the fullest. She initiated and encouraged others to share in her adventurous spirit. She surrounded herself with family and friends, who always felt her positive energy, laughter, passion for life, strength and genuine love for them all. Samantha was truly inspirational in all aspects of her life.
Above all, Samantha’s life was centered on her deep love for her boys, Ryan and Reidar. She was a devoted mother who taught the value of hard work, honesty and compassion, which will forever live on within her boys. After losing her husband, Robert, in August 2016, to complications from brain cancer, Samantha’s incredible strength successfully carried her through the difficulties she faced as a single mother. Like everything else in her life, she embraced adversity and took on challenges with a positive attitude.
Survivors names omitted per findagrave policy.
Sam was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Arthur Ramsay of Vancouver; grandparents Richard and Dorothy Spink of Coeur d’Alene, John and Louise Daniel of Great Falls, Mont., Francis “Bud” and Meta Perry of Coeur d’Alene, and George and Millie Doherty of Missoula, Mont.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to the following charitable organizations important to Samantha and Robert: Voices Against Brain Cancer, Oregon Health and Science University Foundation, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Foundation, or the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Idaho.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time.
Samantha, we are so proud of you. You made us all better human beings. Taken from an anonymous quote you shared with us, we will honor you and “Cross oceans for people, climb mountains…no conditions attached. Life and love is about what you give.” We will miss you forever.
Coeur d'Alene Press August 17, 2017
=====
Faculty and staff at the University of Idaho began mourning one of their own Monday when it was announced Samantha Ramsay, an assistant professor of nutrition at the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, died Sunday after being struck by lightning while climbing the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
Ramsay's husband, former professional baseball player Rob Ramsay, died Aug. 4, 2016, after a yearslong battle with brain cancer. The couple is survived by two sons - Ryan, 12, and Reidar, 9.
Samantha Ramsay, 41, was "always on the go," family friend Shawn O'Neal said. "She was the most alive person I ever knew. She and Rob both were."
O'Neal said while she struggled with the death of her husband, she was rarely anything less than enthusiastic, active and energetic.
"I could tell she was hurting, but she hid it for the most part," he said.
Aside from her outdoor adventures by herself, with friends and colleagues, O'Neal said a major part of Samantha Ramsay's focus was on her sons.
"She was the kind of mom that wanted her kids to be like her, to be active and always doing something," O'Neal said.
Samantha Ramsay seems to have always maintained a high level of activity, having played volleyball for Penn State for two and a half years before finishing up her degree - and college volleyball career - at Washington State University, where she met her husband.
UI President Chuck Staben also addressed the loss in a university statement.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Samantha Ramsay, a highly regarded faculty member in our College of Agricultural and Life Sciences," Staben wrote in the emailed statement.
Staben offered the university's thoughts and condolences to Samantha Ramsay's family, friends and colleagues.
"We join the entire Vandal family in mourning the loss of a talented instructor, respected colleague and caring member of the UI community," he wrote.
O'Neal, who said he hadn't yet had time to process the death of his friend - four days short of a year after her husband died - called the relatively short time he had the couple in his life "a blessing."
"These were ... sterling, active people," he said.
Samantha Ramsay had taught at the UI since 2010.
Lewiston Tribune August 2, 2017
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
