By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
Many residents of Mesquite lost a friend, and a leader last week with the passing of former City Councilwoman Sandra Ramaker. Ramaker died on Tuesday, March 21 at the age of 77.
As a long-time resident of Mesquite, Ramaker made a lasting impact on the city, county and state levels. So much so, that U.S. Congressman Steven Horsford was one of the first to publicly acknowledge the loss of Ramaker.
“I am saddened to hear the news of the loss of Sandra Ramaker,” Horsford said in a statement last week. “She dedicated her life to public service as a Member of the Mesquite City Council.”
Ramaker moved to Mesquite in 2008, she immediately became an active part of the community, joining Desert Dames and Red Hat Divas. She volunteered with various organizations including Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, Mesa View Regional Hospital and League of Women Voters.
She served two years on the Virgin Valley Water District board and four years on the Mesquite City Council.
She was also an energetic board member for her favorite local charity organization: Kids for Sports.
Cory Clemetson, co-owner of Wolf Creek Golf Club and cofounder of the Kids for Sports Foundation, expressed his feelings about Ramaker last week. “Sandra was a warrior for good and a model of integrity,” Clemetson said. “Her contributions to the city of Mesquite are impeccable. As a board member the impact she made on the Kids for Sports Foundation, and the local community kids, will be felt for decades to come. We are saddened by her loss and will do our best to honor her legacy for years to come.”
Mesquite’s Mayor Al Litman also paid tribute to Ramaker last week. “Sandra was one of the most dedicated civil servants I have ever met,” he said. “She refused to let her poor health get in the way of whatever she was doing in the service of Mesquite. Whatever she did, she put all her energy into it. I will miss her.”
Sandra was always present at community events; either helping or participating, even when her health was failing her. She was always courteous to the press and those around her. She was influential in getting Silver Rider public transportation services to Mesquite and was an advocate for the local library branch in her role with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.
Deb Parsley, local realtor and fellow board member for Kids for Sports Foundation remembered Ramaker’s devotion to the community last week.
“Sandra and I have been friends for quite a while, meeting first back when I was involved with the Chamber,” Parsley said. “Since then, Sandra and I were on the board for Kids for Sports together and she was an amazing woman to work with. She was patient, kind, thoughtful, and always was willing to help where needed. She will truly be missed.”
Former City Councilwoman Karen Dutkowski also expressed fond sentiments about Ramaker last week. “I first met Sandra in 2016,” Dutkowski said. “When she ran for council in 2018, I was very impressed with her. She was generous with her time and always researched issues and sought to hear citizens opinions. She taught me to do the same and encouraged me to run for council. It was an honor to serve with her. She made serving fun and I will miss her.”
Local resident Sheila Gustaveson also expressed her feelings about Ramaker last week. “Sandy Ramaker was my dearest friend,” Gustaveson said. “She loved the Rams, Elvis Presley and the city and people of Mesquite! She was strong, compassionate, and giving. She served this community in so many ways. Did you know she and her husband Doug rode motorcycles across the country? She adored her six children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and her many friends. This community will miss her greatly as she contributed so much. Goodbye my friend.”
