Richard “Dutch” Allen Ramsdell, of Stockbridge, age 84, passed away on April 3, 2026, at StoryPoint Assisted Living in Canton. He was born on February 8, 1942, in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of Guy and Marian (Stephens) Ramsdell.
Richard was born and raised in Stockbridge and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1960. During his school years, he enjoyed playing football and baseball and was actively involved in theater and drama. It was also in high school where he met his future wife, Mary Ellen (Knott).
Following graduation, Richard attended Eastern Michigan University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1965. He went on to build a life centered around family, hard work, and community. Richard and Mary Ellen were married and raised their two daughters, Martha Christine and Catherine Mary, in Romeo, Michigan. He worked at the US TACOM, primarily as a buyer. Though they lived in several communities over the years, Richard always held a deep connection to Stockbridge. In 2002, they fulfilled their long-held dream of returning to the town that meant so much to them.
He is survived by his two daughters, Martha (Gary) Vartanoff, Catherine (Stephen Boller) Ramsdell; a brother, Edwin Ramsdell; a sister, Ethel Walling; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Linda Ramsdell, Raymond (Penny) Knott; Evelyn Hoth; and Norman (Tammy) Knott; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Ramsdell; a brother, Paul Ramsdell; and a sister-in-law, Marlene Ramsdell.
Funeral Services will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Stockbridge, or the Stockbridge Masonic Lodge #130.
