Nancy J. Ramey, 81, of Baxter, formerly of Willmar, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. It was a fitting exit for someone who spent her whole life making sure no one ever felt alone.

Born the youngest daughter of Vendale and Marjorie (Tallman) Lundquist, Nancy quickly learned the art of sewing—first out of necessity and later because she genuinely enjoyed it. What began as practical became personal: she developed a signature style that never wavered. Nancy never left the house unless she looked her best, from perfectly coifed hair to polished nails. Even the grocery store aisles were her runway.

Nancy was the ultimate champion for the underdog. She had a radar for kids who needed love, especially the "naughty" ones, and she gave it generously. Whether it was chatting with every single classmate at her reunions or rescuing the loner at a party by bringing them into the circle, Nancy made inclusion look effortless. She nurtured connections, built friendships that spanned decades, and somehow managed to remember not only your birthday but also your kid's basketball schedule.

She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unmatched devotion. If there was a sporting event, dance recital, or birthday party, you could count on Nancy in the stands—cheering the loudest, likely with snacks in tow. Her famous family calendar, meticulously filled with every important date, was her playbook for love.

Nancy liked to travel, though beaches with sand between her toes were not her style. She preferred places like Glacier National Park or Norway, where beauty could be admired without the nuisance of grit. She loved pontoon rides, a good book, and quiet moments counting her blessings.

Her faith deepened over the years, and she concluded her life as she hoped we all would live ours: listening to understand, speaking kindly, and praising God for each moment.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Deryl; her children Jeff (Chris), Mary Jo Ramey, Lori (Curt) Schmidt, and Jodi (TJ) Tils; her step-son, Matt (Jenny); her grandchildren Amanda (Adam), Scott (Kendra), Sami (Luke), Zahia (Sean), KJ, Charlie, Kayla (Jeremiah), Megan (Andrew), Jacob, Lindsay, Ramee (Anton), Marin (Seth), Alyssa (Trey), Mitch (Lauren) and Jack; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Ava, Otto, Sadie (who made her grand entrance on September 20—just in time for Gigi to see a photo), Noah, Oakley, Mila, Bennett, Viktor, Joy, Calvin, Kai, Nico, Keo, Laila, Liam, Logan, and Daxton and two more arriving soon. She is also survived by her sister, Margie Reynolds, as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marilyn.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to Riverside Elementary, where a scholarship will be established in Nancy's name—or bring a new book for their library. Riverside was family to her, too.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to the service and to stay for the luncheon that will follow. Interment will take place in Willmar, MN, at a later date.

Nancy's family encourages everyone to carry her legacy forward: compliment someone's hair, cheer for the underdog, bring the shy one into the conversation—and always, always show up looking fabulous.