Martha Babcock Ramsey, 58, passed away February 3, 2022, at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, after a long and courageous battle with a genetic form of metastatic breast cancer. She was born November 25, 1963, to Martha Virginia Woods and Eugene Wayne Babcock in Toledo, Ohio. Martha joined three older siblings. At age 4, Martha lost her mother to another form of cancer, also hereditary. In 1968, Martha’s father married Margaret Striger May, a friend from his high school years who also had been widowed, creating a blended family which soon became close although spread across the country.

Martha is survived by sisters, Brenda (John) Laney, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Mary May (Tom) Sayre, Midway, Kentucky; Elaine (late Daniel) May, Scottsdale, Arizona, and brothers, William (Patricia) Babcock, Longwood, Florida, and Riley (Tonia Pollitz) Babcock, Ormond Beach, Florida.

After moving from Perrysburg, to Lexington, Kentucky, and while spending several summers in Jackson, Wyoming, Martha graduated from Henry Clay High School in 1981. She earned a degree in business from the University of Kentucky in 1986, and it was there that she met Clifton Ramsey, whom she married in 1988. In 1992, they moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to join a family business venture and to explore the West closeup.

Martha was a wonderful and vibrant woman who shared her warmth and love with everyone around her. She was often compared to Mary Poppins. She embarked on a career in business, but she and Cliff wanted a family to complete their life together. She is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, as well as twins, Sarah Ramsey and Heath Ramsey, who were born in 1997 and recently graduated from Arizona State University.

Martha, who was admired for her commitment to education, was a valued administrator with Scottsdale Unified School District for more than 15 years.

It was Martha, in her role as wife, mother, sister and friend, that will be so deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her. Her loyalty and unwavering support, gentle yet strong throughout, created lasting and cherished bonds with so many. Her love of a long series of canine friends was also an important and joyful part of her life.

It is Martha’s wish there be no memorial service. The family is grateful to Hospice of the Valley, and suggests memorials to that organization at hov.org, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014.