Margaret M. Ramant

Margaret M. Ramant, affectionately known as “Midge”, age 91, of Spring Hill, FL, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024, surrounded by the love and care of her family and the staff at Market Street at East Lake. Born on May 15, 1933, in Detroit, MI, to Alphonse and Cecelia (Dettloff) Valentine Midge was the eighth of nine children. Margaret was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose faith, style, quick wit, and energy touched many lives.

Midge graduated from Annunciation High School in Detroit, MI, in 1951. She was athletic and served as the captain of both the cheerleading squad and the basketball team. She  starred as the lead in the senior play "The Patsy" and had a deep love for music and singing. Midge met the love of her life, Gabriel (Gabe) Ramant, in her sophomore year when he spotted her in a pink sweater, affectionately calling her "Pinky." They married on November 27, 1954, at St. Mary of Redford Catholic Church in Detroit after Gabe returned from serving in the Army during the Korean War. Their love and devotion were evident to all during their 61 years of marriage.

Midge was part of a high school sorority, and those girls became lifelong friends, participating in yearly sorority weekends, parties and events throughout the years. She worked at GM Styling Division in Detroit until the birth of their first daughter. After that, she devoted many years to her family, as well as her neighborhood, friends, and church communities, creating a nurturing home filled with love and laughter, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. She was very creative and enjoyed decoupage and paper tole hobbies. Midge LOVED to shop (especially sales and deals) and was always stylish in her dress, which often included pink! Margaret was a loyal and devoted friend and developed many long-term relationships.

In 1979, Gabe and Midge moved to Dunedin, Florida. Though it was challenging to leave her large family, Midge found fulfillment working for Vanco Hearing Aids. At the age of 58, she became a state-licensed hearing aid specialist and started her own business, Hearing Aids by Margaret, serving many people throughout Holiday, FL, and the surrounding community.

Gabe and Midge retired to Spring Hill, FL in the Timber Pines community where they remained active and met new friends. They enjoyed entertaining, playing cards (especially Euchre), dancing, and golf. Midge was an avid golfer and achieved 2 holes in one (one on her 65th birthday)! She also sang and performed as an Alto in the Timber Tones until age 89. Margaret took an active role in the lives of her grandchildren, attending many of their activities. She was a great hostess and enjoyed planning and serving friends and family.

For Midge, faith was a central focus throughout her life. She participated in Bible studies for many years. Her service to others included volunteering at our schools, teaching catechism to 2nd graders for years in MI, extraordinary ministry at St Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church and community work volunteering with St Vincent de Paul. She was a light for Christ.

She is survived by her three daughters, Lynn (Spencer) Rife, Kathleen Showman, and Carrie Schroeder (boyfriend, Bob Linger); seven grandchildren, Joseph (Joey) and Sarah Eichstedt (Brandon Gill), Julia (Marc) Baumgardt, Aaron Rife, and Kyle, Brooke, and Carson Schroeder; a great granddaughter, Emma-Jo Baumgardt; stepson Monty (Cathy) Halsted and their children Lexi, Breanna, Abi, and Daniel; her sister Carol Ferri; sister-in-law Janet Valentine; as well as several nieces, nephews, and longtime friends. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Gabriel Ramant, and seven siblings and their spouses: Ceil (Robert) Allor, Mary (Robert) Dietz, Jean Valentine, Elaine (Don) Servais, Lenore (Ed) Biebel, George Valentine, Anthony Valentine, and Frank Ferri.

Margaret “Midge” was a class act and will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial mass will be held at St Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill , FL 34609 on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 10:30 AM. Please join us for Midge’s celebration of life luncheon to follow at the Club House at Timber Pines, 2340 Grand Pines Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34606.

For the live stream, here are the directions:

a.      Go to stfrances.org

b.      Scroll down to Our Mass Livestream

c.      Click on “Live Mass”.  Livestream will be available at least 10 minutes prior to the 10:30 service time.

Family is asking that who would be attending the Wednesday 11/27/24 service at Florida National Cemetery to please meet  9:30 am at Downing Funeral Home, 1214 Wendy Ct., Spring Hill, FL 34607.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions can be made in her name to:

The Salvation Army: at www.salvationarmy.org -click on one-time donation then dedicate in memory of...or 1-800-725-2769 ask for Memorial Donation or can send a check to your local Salvation Army with memorial information and address for acknowledgment.

Or Accent Care Hospice:  at www.seasonsfoundation.org or Seasons Hospice Foundation, 8537 Solutions Center, Chicago, ILL 60677-8005. Direct questions to 847-692-1000 or foundation@seasons.org

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