Rodney Dale Ramsey

Rodney Dale Ramsey, 54, beloved husband, doting father, devoted son, ever-loving pain in the keister brother, slightly off kilter pillar of the community, died on Friday August 18, 2023, as he lived his life, on his own terms, by his own rules and the breeze in his hair. If you told him he couldn’t do it, then he most certainly would.  

Rod’s loves were family, hiking, the law and the Ramsey family herd of cats (Stevie, Smokie, Chester, and Sanchez). There were no lost causes or cats. No one went without representation, no cat was ever homeless and no one left the Ramsey home hungry. Rod came into this world equal parts fearlessness, adventurer, sweetness and wry wit.

Rod met the love of his life, Michelle, in junior high. They went to prom together, graduated from UCO undergraduate college together and OU graduate college together. They married and settled back in Bartlesville, sending down deep roots, with broad branches of family, friends and colleagues. They welcomed two children, Nate and Ashley, who formed their world. Rod never missed a school event, game, practice or opportunity to celebrate and spend time with his kids. Nothing was too much when it came to his kids. He rented a van, filled it with Nate and his high school pals, and drove them cross country to his brother’s beach house in Virginia. Although two of the boys ended up in the emergency room, most of those boys still speak of the adventure and Uncle Charlie (some fondly). 

Rod graduated from OU Law with a J.D. in 1994. He established his general law practice in Bartlesville in 1995 covering Washington, Osage, and Nowata counties. Most recently, Rod and his longtime friend, Marty Meason, established a law firm together. Rod never wanted anyone to spend a night in jail. Rod was an active member of his church and community. He taught concurrent government at the high school through Rogers State, participated multiple times in the Polar Plunge, was a member of Kiwanis, and the Jaycees, coached and played on the church league softball, and served on the church parish council.

Rod loved hiking. He hiked the Grand Canyon five times, and in Yellowstone, Colorado and New Mexico. Rod enjoyed the Grand Canyon experiences so much he wanted to share it with his family so he hiked it again with Michelle, Nate and Ashley.

Rod is survived by his wife, Michelle (Hankinson), son Nate, daughter Ashley, mother Robin, brother Charlie (Mary), sister Maryce, and numerous brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces/nephews and uncles/aunts. Rod was preceded in death by his father Charles and beloved Kitty and Odie the Wonder Dog (woof!).         

Rod and his family are members of Saint John Before the Latin Gate Catholic church. A rosary will be held for Rod on Friday, August 25^th at Arnold Moore funeral home, beginning at 6:30. Rod’s funeral mass will be on Saturday, August 26^th, at 10a.m. at Saint John. Entombment will be in the White Rose Cemetery Mausoleum, under the direction of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home.  The service will be available on-line. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to honor Rod’s love for animals and commitment to the community by making contributions to the SPCA or Catholic Charities. To leave an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.