Vernetta May (Ramsey) McAtee Little She passed away on October 24, 2022 surrounded by family.
She was born May 1, 1936, on a ridge near Falmouth, KY during the great depression. Her parent’s Roberta Goldie Powell and Kenzie Ramsey along with five siblings Joe Allen Ramsey, K.W. Ramsey, Wilma Wyatt, Wanda House and Vivian Hampton preceded her in death.
Vernetta was the first of her family to graduate from high school and voted the most beautiful in the senior class (yes, they did that at that time!). She continued to be beautiful inside and out. She married a local boy, James Henry McAtee II (deceased), and they made their way to Carlisle, OH where they raised three children (also survived by): Sharon McAtee Koons of Frankfort, KY; Nancy McAtee Harmon (Hawley) of Dearborn, MI; and James McAtee III (Shawn) of Carlisle, OH.
Vernetta retired from Monsanto in 1992 after 28 years. She acquired LGL leukemia and survived with it for many years (including 24 years after her diagnosis).
Vernetta was a woman of faith and was always active with the Franklin Church of Christ (Christian), whether singing in the choir, singing solos, leading music, or teaching classes. She loved singing and playing instruments: guitar, piano, or mandolin. She traveled with friends, Betty and Cindy, singing gospel songs across the southwest Ohio area. She would say that was a great time in her life. She loved to break into a harmony whenever there was music. Vernetta was also an avid painter and loved plants. She loved gardening and we grew up eating everything canned. She even once made ketchup. Her (our) favorite was a mess of fresh green beans with ham.
She married Ronald Little (deceased) and they enjoyed twenty-five wonderful years. Together they hosted many parties, directed Tuesday Preschool at Franklin Christian Church, and directed Carlisle CERA plays. They played cards and traveled with friends around the country, learned to repair VCRs, and really enjoyed being together. They grandparented by adoring their six wonderful grandchildren: Arianne, Megan, and Amber Koons; Benjamin Harmon; James McAtee IV; Olivia McAtee; and great-grandchild Cora Koons.
During the last seven years, Cold War Patriots caregivers have supported her. The family wants to thank everyone that cared for her during this time. We also want to thank Ohio Hospice of Butler and Warren County for supporting her during her last days.
In memory of Vernetta and in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude Hospital and hug your children and grandchildren. Children, go hug your parents.
A celebration of life will be held December 30, 2022.
Interment will take place at the Oakland Cemetery in Falmouth.
Services provided by Woodhead Funeral Home.