Janet M. Ramsey

Janet M. Ramsey (McKeegan), age 67, was called home to her Lord on September 15, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She passed at her daughter's house surrounded by her children and love from so many near and far away.

Janet was born on June 22, 1959, to George Albert and Jackie (Nelson) McKeegan in Florida. She graduated from Baraboo High School in 1977 and continued her education at MATC, earning a Medical Laboratory Technician degree. Janet married her husband, Melvin, in Jamaica in 1984 and from this union four children were born. She worked in the lab at UW for almost 40 years.

It is hard to put into words what an amazing soul Janet was. She was beautiful, kind, intelligent, courageous, and loving. Janet retired several years ago, but nothing could slow her always moving spirit. She remained on the Sauk Prairie Ambulance Service where she devoted 23 years of service, holding the rank of Lieutenant and serving as a crew chief and mentor to countless EMTs. Still not slowing down in her final years, she also joined the Dane County District One EMS Service, in 2023.

Janet's son, Christopher, passed away in 2009 and became an organ donor. Through organ donation, Janet expanded her family to include Jack Eigel and Tracy (Nancy) Tice, recipients of Chris's gifts, who were so important to her. She became part of the Transplant community, participating in various transplant related events and traveling both near and far to participate in the Transplant Games in locations such as: Oklahoma, Salt Lake City, Houston, South Africa, Spain, Australia, and Germany. At the Spotlight on Life Gala and several Transplant Games, Janet and Jack danced together and had so much fun. Janet also coached Team USA swimming for the Transplant Games for several years.

Another passion of Janet's was breast cancer awareness and advocacy. She was a Komen Advocacy Ambassador and traveled to Washington DC several times to talk to lawmakers. In Spring of this year, she was named Susan G. Komen's Advocate of the Year, a title that meant a lot to her.

Janet was always on the move. She loved travel and music and went on many vacations both near and far with her family. Even in her last month on this Earth, she didn't stop moving and went with her daughter Brooke to Kentucky to visit the Ark Encounter, to Taste of Madison, and a Brad Paisley concert.

Janet's faith was very important to her. She was a member of St. Andrew Church where she attended services and Bible study when her health allowed. She was very comforted by her faith at the end of her life.

Janet lived such a full life and held many titles including Girl and Boy Scout leader, swim instructor and coach, swimming referee, AFSCME retiree, First Aid and CPR instructor, and AbleTrek Volunteer, among many others. She was a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Of all the titles she held in life, mother and grandmother were the two most important to her. She was so proud of her children and granddaughter and was constantly telling others about them. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Janet is survived by her children: Jason Ramsey, Brooke Ramsey, and Belle (Kurtis) Grunst; granddaughter, Jade Reeves; parents, George Albert and Jackie McKeegan; stepson, Peter Good, siblings: Elmer McKeegan, Kathy (Tim) Schreck, Jim McKeegan, Joanne McKeegan, and Lori (Brent) Sutherland; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Ramsey and son, Christopher Ramsey.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 6815 Schneider Rd., Middleton on Tuesday September 22 with visitation at 10 and service at 11. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Janet's name to the Susan G. Komen foundation.