Jeffrey Steven “Jeff” Ramey, age 57, of Shelby, died Friday afternoon, July 3, 2026 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. His death follows a brief illness.
Jeff was born November 25, 1968 in Shelby, the youngest child born to Robert Lee and Joyce Ann (Frederick) Ramey. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1987. In August of that same year, Jeff enlisted in the United States Army, faithfully serving his country over four years, including Operation Desert Storm in The Gulf War. Although Jeff was quiet about his service, he was incredibly proud of it.
Jeff worked for several years at Newman Technology and most recently for the maintenance department at Central Ohio Associates located in the Central Ohio Industrial Park (COIP) in Shelby. He enjoyed his work and his colleagues who were friends.
Jeff had a profound appreciation for nature. A true outdoorsman, he was most at home in the woods, finding peace and purpose in wilderness survival, bushcraft, and traditional outdoor living. He loved to travel, especially trips to Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, but also found great joy in staying local by frequently visiting the reservoir. Additionally, Jeff had a passion for photography, capturing many amazing images of the nature which he loved.
Jeff is survived by his sister and brother-in-law: Teresa and Ed Vore of Lexington; brother and sister-in-law: David and Diane Ramey of Lexington; nephews: Joey Vore and Ben Vore; special friend with whom he remained close: Michelle Bender; dear friend: Dave Moore; beloved neighbors and friends: Cindy and Jim, Ardith, Velma and Ernie, and Brian and Amanda; and other relatives and friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Bob and Joyce.
Family and friends are welcome to attend graveside services on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 10:30 am at Oakland Cemetery, South Gamble Street, Shelby. Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Jeff will be laid to rest beside his parents.
To honor Jeff, we ask that you take a quiet walk in the woods. Observe the nature around you, tread lightly, and leave no trace. For those wishing, contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice that benefits veterans.
Care for Jeff and his family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on their website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or Facebook page.
I will miss you so freaking much Jeff. I think I understood you more than some. All I know is you are free to roam the woods and lay in that hammock and breath in nature. I’ll always love you Paprika. 🌎❤️🦃🤡 Forever!
I’ve know Jeff since grade school having grown up just 3 houses down on Park Ave. Have a lot of great memories of building forts in the woods by the reservoir from that time. And then running into him by chance in Waikiki Hawaii when we was stationed there just a few builds away. Enjoyed the times we did meet back up and listening to your adventures out west. He will be missed and Thanks for the lifetime of memories!!
Teresa and Dave I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Jeff was my childhood friend into early adult life….and then life happens as it does to all of us and we saw less of each other as years went on, times change, circles of people regularly in your life change. They say a man is lucky to have five friends, and Jeff is one of my five. Jeff introduced me to things I would have never even considered learning- nunchucks, Chinese throwing stars, throwing knives, finger tip push ups and Bruce Lee. Jeff’s biggest influence on me was Guns n Roses, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Black Sabbath and The Red Hot Chili Peppers; this all came of course after Dave would hand us down his casssettes from his Musgtang, and we were listening to early Bon Jovi, Scorpions, and Whitesnake. Jeff looked up to Dave and learned how to be “cooL”, how to cut holes our Levis, how to bleach our Levi’s, how to roll the concert T shirt sleeve up on your shoulder, how to grow you hair long–and Jeff taught me all these things Jeff is the most unique, individualist friend I have had. I remember when him and Yo-Boy had the apartment on Gamble St.- music blasting and Jeff reading a survival manual, his hiking stick leaning against the door. I was jealous of Jeff at times because of his willingness to drop off the grid, disappear, live in nature and find a simple happiness that too many of us never get to experience because we have to meet the needs of “The Man”, pay the bills, bank money.
Jeff, I’m grateful for the times we shared, I’m grateful for your Military service (stationed in Hawaii, luck of the draw), I’m grateful for the Sunday Night beers watching Married with Children at the Pines apartments, before I had to drive back to Cleveland. You taught me so much in life, but the one thing you didn’t teach me was how to be cool like you at B n G’s and never dance, just lean against the wall with your black ball cap on and have the girls (beautiful girls) come to you. May the Indian Spirits that comforted you in life give you peace in your new journey and I hope it’s the most beautiful nature you will ever know- and I hope the MUSIC is awesome.
Teresa,Dave and families,I am so sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences.
It seems forever ago that Jeff sat behind me in Algebra. I’m pretty sure he hated the class. He used to tease me and call me Ms. Pythagorean Theorem. It was a “Breakfast club” like situation where I felt like the nerd and he was the “Too cool for school“ guy. He definitely made the class more interesting! And Jeff, it’s A squared plus B squared =C squared. I got ya’.
I am so sad to hear this. I was friends with Jeff from our Newman days and stayed close after I left that job. we sent jokes back and forth almost daily. Jeff was one of a kind and I’ll never forget him. I had been visiting him at his home during his illness and he not once let it get him down that I saw. He was determined to keep going, that’s who he was. I’ll miss you my brother.
Teresa, Ed and family … I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and Hugs, Kathy
Teresa and family. I got to know Jeff from his times at the Shelby Infusion Center. Was always pleasant to the staff, even on bad days. May he rest easy.
Kathy Burrows
one of the Burrows girls from Shelby.
To the Ramey family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss and are praying that God gives you some comfort during this difficult time.
Many thoughts and prayers. Jeff was a truly great and funny guy. He will be missed!!
Teresa, I am so sorry to hear about Jeff. Please give me a call at 678-532-0043. I need to know what happened. I didn’t know that he was even ill. I would text him and he text me back and stuff what what happened? I am so so sorry. I love you. Please call me.
Dave and Diane ramey and the ramey family. so sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers for you and your family. may God wrap his loving arms around this family giving y’all love for the family. Chris Gayheart
sorry for your loss. he will be missed by many
Teresa, Dave, and families My deepest condolences.
Jeff was a great soldier and a good man. I’m so sorry for his family losing him so early.
Roam the woods Wolfhound!
No Fear!