Sylvia Ruth Ramey, aged 88, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at MercyOne in Des Moines, surrounded by her loving family. A visitation in her honor will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Transformation Church of the Nazarene, 1451 E. 25th St, Des Moines. Following the visitation, a funeral service will commence at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.
Born on November 24, 1937, in Nashville, Tennessee, Sylvia was the daughter of Reverend E. B. and Mary (Schnitzler) Moss. Raised in Nashville, she graduated from high school in 1955. Sylvia married Larry Ramey, the love of her life, on December 18, 1959, in Ft Thomas, Kentucky. Together, they relocated to Des Moines, where they devoted themselves to raising their family. Sylvia dedicated over 20 years of her life to Meredith Corporation before retiring.
A long-standing member of East Side Church of the Nazarene for over 25 years, Sylvia was an active participant in church activities. She contributed to the tape ministry, junior Sunday School, and performed in the choir. Additionally, Sylvia was known for her compassionate spirit, regularly visiting the sick and those unable to leave their homes.
Sylvia cherished time spent with her family and enjoyed various activities, including visiting the senior center, baking her famous snickerdoodle cookies, and traveling to the Smoky Mountains. She also had a passion for shopping and was well-known for her beloved potato salad.
Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Larry Ramey; her son, Lloyd Ramey; her parents; her brother, Royster Moss; and her sister, Marilyn Stricklin.
She is survived by her adopted daughter, Cindi (Ernie) Stebbins; granddaughter, Ashley (Steven) McKenna; great-grandchildren, Malcomb and Mila; her sister, Patye (Dan) Bridget; and numerous nieces and nephews who will carry on her memory.
Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with providing care for Sylvia and her family during this time.