A Beloved Chapter Closes: Remembering Beth Ramey's Life of Books, Family, and Faith

Killeen, Texas, a community often defined by its military ties and bustling energy, pauses this week to bid farewell to one of its truly gentle, yet profoundly impactful, souls. Elva Elizabeth Ramey—or just Beth, as so many knew her—passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024, at the age of 79. Honestly, it feels like a significant page has turned for many who crossed her path, whether at a bookshop, a church pew, or simply around town.

Born in El Dorado, Arkansas, way back on October 26, 1944, to Elva Leo and Elizabeth Virginia Hargett, Beth’s journey eventually led her to the heart of Texas. And really, Killeen became her home. She was a proud graduate of Killeen High School in 1962, and for a time, even explored her intellectual curiosities at Mary Hardin-Baylor College. But life, as it so often does, had other plans, or rather, other loves, waiting for her.

It was on a crisp January 29, 1966, right there in Killeen, that Beth joined hands and hearts with James Larry Ramey. Their marriage, a partnership spanning decades, became the very bedrock of her life. Together, they built a family, raising two wonderful sons, James Leo Ramey and Jeffrey Scott Ramey, who, in truth, were her pride and joy.

Before dedicating herself fully to her family, Beth had a stint as a medical secretary for Dr. H.R. Smith in Killeen—a detail that, you could say, hinted at her organized, caring nature. Yet, her most memorable professional chapter, for many Killeenites at least, unfolded in the 1980s and 90s. This was when she took the helm of “The Bookworm,” a local bookstore that, under her thoughtful management, became so much more than just a place to buy books; it was a sanctuary, a quiet haven for readers and dreamers alike. Her love for reading, for the sheer tactile pleasure of a book in hand, was truly infectious.

But Beth’s world wasn't confined to the literary; her faith was equally central. A devoted member of First Baptist Church, Killeen, she gave generously of her time and spirit, teaching Sunday School lessons that no doubt shaped young minds, and lending her voice to the church choir. You know, it’s often these quiet acts of service, day in and day out, that truly define a person’s character. And Beth, well, she embodied that.

Beyond books and hymns, she found simple pleasures: diligently working on crossword puzzles, nurturing her cherished book collection, and, above all, reveling in the company of her ever-growing family. She was, quite simply, a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a doting grandmother, and, in her later years, a beaming great-grandmother. Her parents, Elva Leo and Elizabeth Virginia Hargett, had passed before her, but her legacy of love, without question, continues through her beloved husband Larry; her sons James and his wife Cindy, and Jeff and his wife Kim. And oh, the grandchildren! Amanda and Ryan Ramey, Dylan Ramey and his wife Madison, plus her precious great-granddaughter, Avery Ramey—all carry a piece of her warmth. Her sister, Judy, and her husband Jerry, along with several nieces and nephews, also mourn her passing.

For those wishing to honor Beth's memory, a visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen. A celebration of her remarkable life will then take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Killeen, followed by her interment at Killeen City Cemetery. As for those pallbearers—Ryan Ramey, Dylan Ramey, Brian O'Neal, Patrick O'Neal, Brent Kinnamon, and John Hargett—they represent the strong bonds she forged throughout her years. And if you’re considering a gift in her honor, the family suggests contributions to the First Baptist Church, Killeen, or the MD Anderson Cancer Center, causes that, I imagine, were close to her heart.

Beth Ramey’s life was, in many ways, a beautifully written story itself—full of love, learning, and unwavering faith. She will be profoundly missed, but the chapters she helped write in the lives of others, they will certainly endure.