Samantha Ramsay (Spink) died unexpectedly July 31, 2017, in Valais, Switzerland, at the age of 41, attempting to summit the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
Samantha is survived by her two children, Ryan Matthew Ramsay (12) and Reid Jonathan Ramsay (9); father, Donald "Doc" Spink, and stepmother, Meg, of Sun City, Ariz.; mother, Patricia Perry, and stepfather, Phil "Butch," of Coeur d'Alene; siblings, Sydne Watson, and husband, Sean, of Grand Junction, Colo.; Benjamin Spink of Anchorage, Alaska; Sarah Lilyquist and Nicholas of Coeur d'Alene; Andrew "Felix" Spink and wife, Michelle, of Oakland, Calif.; mother-in-law, Mary Freeman, of Camas, Wash.; father-in-law, Don Ramsay, of Vancouver, Wash.; brother-in-law, Matthew Ramsay, and wife, Jennifer, of Washougal, Wash.; and her niece, nephews, aunts and uncles. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Arthur Ramsay, of Vancouver, Wash.; grandparents, Richard and Dorothy Spink of Coeur d'Alene, John and Louise Daniel of Great Falls, Mont., Francis "Bud" and Meta Perry of Coeur d'Alene and George and Millie Doherty of Missoula, Mont.
Samantha was born Feb. 16, 1976, in Coeur d'Alene to Patricia Raye Daniel and Donald Ray Spink. She graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1994, and earned a scholarship to play volleyball at Penn State University. After transferring to Washington State University, Samantha continued playing volleyball where she earned a bachelor's degree in food science and human nutrition and a master's degree in human nutrition. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho, then became an associate professor of food and nutrition at the University of Idaho's Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Samantha was dedicated to her research, which helped establish improvements throughout the world in feeding young children. Her work allowed her to travel internationally, where she touched the lives of everyone whom she came in contact. As a professor, she mentored and inspired hundreds of students and colleagues.
In 1999, while attending Washington State University, Samantha met Robert Arthur Ramsay, her first true love, and the couple married in December 2000. In 2005, Samantha and Robert welcomed their first son, Ryan Matthew Ramsay, into the world. Shortly after, in 2008, the couple was blessed with their second son, Reid Jonathan Ramsay.
Samantha's passion for alpine mountaineering, skiing, running, biking and outdoor recreating was where she loved to push her body to the limits, take on new challenges and found peace. Her deep love for adventure was what inspired her to live each day to the fullest. She initiated and encouraged others to share in her adventurous spirit. She surrounded herself with family and friends, who always felt her positive energy, laughter, passion for life, strength and genuine love for them all. Samantha was truly inspirational in all aspects of her life.
Above all, Samantha's life was centered on her deep love for her boys, Ryan and Reidar. She was a devoted mother who taught the value of hard work, honesty and compassion, which will forever live on within her boys. After losing her husband, Robert, in August 2016, to complications from brain cancer, Samantha's incredible strength successfully carried her through the difficulties she faced as a single mother. Like everything else in her life, she embraced adversity and took on challenges with a positive attitude.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 1036 W. A St. A light luncheon will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Daugs will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Samantha's life. Please contact Gen Long (208-877-1190) or Gretchen Isakson (509-554-0620) if interested in bringing a food donation. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to the following charitable organizations important to Samantha and Robert: Voices Against Brain Cancer, Oregon Health and Science University Foundation, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Foundation, or the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Idaho. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time.
Samantha, we are so proud of you. You made us all better human beings. Taken from an anonymous quote you shared with us, we will honor you and "Cross oceans for people, climb mountains ... no conditions attached. Life and love is about what you give." We will miss you forever.
