Margaret Setser Ramsey

Margaret Setser Ramsey, 86, of Iotla Church Road, Franklin, NC died Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at the Four Seasons’ Elizabeth House in Hendersonville, NC.  Born December 1, 1931 in the Cartoogechaye community, Margaret was the daughter of the late Joseph Franklin Setser and Harriet Slagle Setser.  She graduated from Franklin High School, continued her education at the University of Georgia for three years and later graduated from Western Carolina University.  Margaret was married to the late Albert L. Ramsey for 62 years and together they raised four children - Becky, Diane, Joe and Ralph.  

Daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Ramsey Estes lives in Franklin, NC with husband Tom Estes. They have two children, Bill Estes of Fort Worth, TX (wife Lisa and children: Stuart, Morgan, Liam, Mhaurie Hannah, and Patrick) and Cullen Estes of Marion, AK (wife Jennifer and children: Jordyn and baby Clementine, Jackson, Harrison, and Bryant).

Daughter, Diane Ramsey Forsyth is survived by her husband Mark Forsyth who lives in Rye, NH. They have two children, Emily Forsyth of Towson, MD (husband Chris Abruzzese) and Wesley Forsyth of Boston, MA.

Son, Joseph Albert Ramsey lives in Franklin, NC with wife Theresa Ramsey. They have two children, Kaila Ramsey Garza of Washington, DC (husband Matt and son Levi) and Matthew Ramsey of Auburn, GA (wife Brittany and daughters: Lilly and Emma).

Son, Ralph Setser Ramsey lives in Riverton, UT with wife Jennifer Ramsey. They have four children, Anastasia Ramsey of Salinas, CA (children Archie and Life), Andrei Ramsey of Riverton, UT, and Jacob and Joshua Evans of Riverton, UT.

The last living sibling in her family, she had three brothers, Mack Setser (Beulah), Tom Setser (Genie), George Setser; two sisters, Mary Jo Setser Sloan (Bob) and Jane Setser Porter Wells (Pete); and a brother-in-law, Clayton Ramsey (Anne). Margaret leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Margaret loved the mountains and you would often find her fishing, hiking, or working with Al in the operation of their family farm. She was an avid seamstress and quilter, a member of Franklin First United Methodist Church, and an active volunteer in the community. For many years she supported local artisans as manager of Maco Crafts Co-op and previously worked as an Outreach Supervisor for Macon Program for Progress. Margaret cherished her hometown and its history, working to found the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC).

Margaret’s incredibly rich life of service, heart for social justice, and love of her community will be celebrated along with her family and friends on Saturday, October 27th at 10 am at First United Methodist Church. An informal gathering will immediately follow the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to KIDS Place, PO Box 693, Franklin, NC 28744/online at kidsplaceac.org or to Four Seasons Foundation, 221 N. Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792/online at FourSeasonsCFLFoundation.org.

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