Obituary of Alice Elizabeth Ramsey

Alice Elizabeth Ramsey (Black) passed away peacefully in her home on January 1, 2013, with her daughter Mary by her side. She was 90 years old. Betty (to her friends and family), was born Alice Elizabeth Kinnick on December 26, 1922, in Missoula, Montana. After graduating high school, Betty studied business and began working for Western Union, where she met her future husband, Frank Wesley Black. She then moved to Helena, Montana. It was there she heard that Frank was hospitalized in Seattle, Washington with a life threatening condition. She rushed there to help with his convalescence, and shortly after he recovered they were married. Betty lived in Seattle until the end of World War II and then moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Frank was still employed by Western Union and Betty was busy teaching Sunday School, a lifelong joy that she had begun at age sixteen. She also loved being a homemaker and it was in Salt Lake City that their daughter Mary was born. After Frank retired in 1960, the Black family moved to Santa Cruz. Betty became active in the First Baptist Church (now The Santa Cruz Community Church) on Roxas Street, teaching Sunday School and serving as its Director of Christian Education. She was a skilled pianist, loved opera, and was involved for many years with the Santa Cruz High and Watsonville Band Boosters. She worked on the Santa Cruz Band Review parade committee as part of her duties. Betty was involved with quite a few charitable organizations. The California Greybears was one of her favorites. Her passions included gardening, vacations in Yosemite National Park, and organizing, preparing, and serving meals for her church and family. Betty was predeceased by Frank Black on April 25, 1979. She married Alfred Benjamin Ramsey in 1990. They enjoyed their time together until he passed away on March 3, 1997. Betty was also predeceased by her sister, Jean Mitchell Newkirk, cousin Bill Morin, and a niece, Susan Mitchell. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Alice Black and three grandchildren: Linda Alice Black, Billy Black, and Gwendelen Black. She is also survived by a stepson, David Black, Sr. (Corinne) and his family: Dr. David Black, Jr. (Betty and childen Nathan and Austin), Dr. Steven Black (Melissa), and Kristin Bruning (Brian and children Madison and Zoe). In addition, Betty is survived by cousins Rita Carter, June Beck (Leo), Bill Morrelles, Jr. (Bev), and Helen Louise Leslie; nieces Connie Halldorson and Mary Kay Agusta, and a nephew, John Mitchell. Known for her generous nature and ready wit, Betty will be remembered fondly by those fortunate to know her. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband Frank in the Oakwood Cemetery in Santa Cruz. A memorial will be held at The Santa Cruz Community Church June 22, 2013.