Nathan Ramsey

Nathan Livingston Ramsey passed away on August 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of joy, love, compassion, and kindness that touched the lives of his family and friends. His family has been deeply moved by the outpouring of love they have received from Nathan’s friends. They’ve been blessed to hear accounts of how Nathan helped and supported them. He made a difference in the lives he touched. He has left us with beautiful memories and will live on in our hearts. One friend wrote to us, “He was genuinely interested in doing good, and was unafraid of the societal expectations holding so many back from pursuing it. I know I wasn’t the only one who he made a better person through his friendship. Even when we were apart, I moved through life comforted knowing there was someone who got me and was in my corner. I don’t expect to ever find another friend like Nathan, and I will miss him dearly.” Another friend wrote, “It was my friendship with Nathan that led to me going to therapy and getting help for depression. I am now no longer on medications or in therapy and I'm doing great.”

Nathan was born July 4, 2001, to parents Dave and Lorie Ramsey. He and his brother, Noah, were raised in Mason, Ohio. Nathan expanded our minds with an intense love of learning from an early age. As a child, he loved to read, particularly non-fiction and atlases of the world. His interest and extensive knowledge of geography lasted throughout his life. He and his friends, Sean & Lucas, set amazing records in the game Geoguessr, identifying random locations on Earth with only Google Street View images. Throughout his life, he sought to be well-read. One of his passions was his collection of comic books, which numbers over 1,000. He was equally devoted to learning about animals. His family discovered more than they cared to about insects and spent hours catching them when he was young. Over the years, he had a gecko, a giant South African millipede, frogs, cats, dogs, and fresh and saltwater aquariums.

Nathan attended the Schilling School for Gifted Children, where he graduated as valedictorian. There, he formed lasting friendships and felt a sense of belonging. They accepted him for the caring, quirky, intellectual, and fun-loving person he was. He was active in fencing and theater, confidently playing Kenickie in the school’s production of Grease. Nathan could be counted on for spontaneity, laughs, and was always down for new experiences. He never shied away from being himself and always accepted people with different beliefs and lifestyles. He showed great empathy and compassion to anyone who was hurting.

In 2024, Nathan graduated from Ohio State University with honors (Magna Cum Laude), earning a B.A. in communications and a minor in professional writing. He didn’t let COVID stop him from making friends via Magic Club and Dungeons and Dragons games. He got a thrill from cosplay and comic book conventions. Nathan was passionate about painting Warhammer Fantasy game miniatures, meticulously detailing and painting armies of elves, dwarves, goblins, and more. He and his mom spent many hours on either side of the dining room table (turned art studio) pursuing their shared love of painting. His family shared an enthusiasm for games. Most nights, they had family time over dinner and either Switch games or board games. Nathan liked Smash Bros., JackBox, and trivia on the Switch. Favorite family board games included trivia games (he almost always won), Bananagrams, Heroscape, Scattergories, and Settlers of Catan. Nathan and Noah, together with friends over Discord, played a variety of computer games. Nathan’s favorite games were Crusader Kings III, Europa Universalis IV, and Disco Elysium. His mischievous nature often emerged when he nettled his opponents. Nathan and Noah even played Balder’s Gate 3 with their mom and Civilization VI with their dad.

He had planned on attending Cleveland State University to earn a Master’s degree in social work. He wanted to help those struggling with mental illness. He was particularly intrigued with emerging therapies to aid in PTSD recovery. Sadly, his 10-year battle with a Bartonella infection resurfaced savagely and despite his incredible perseverance and determination, it prevented him from proceeding. Thankfully, during those ten years, he had several years of remission, allowing him to enjoy finishing high school and experience college life before the infection resurfaced.

He is survived by his loving parents, Dave and Lorie, his brother, Noah and his devoted “Grams”, Paula Livingston. She and Nathan enjoyed going out to lunch and Nathan often helped her with whatever she needed. Lorie’s step mom, Bernadette Livingston became a loving grandma to Nathan when she married Lorie‘s dad. Also important are aunts and uncles: Alan and Andrea Ramsey, Jon and Melissa Ramsey, and Eric and Kara Livingston, and numerous cousins. His other grandparents preceded him in death. His “Papa”, Larry Livingston, and Grandpa Bob and Grandma Glenda Ramsey adored him and showered him with love and attention.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, October 25, 2:00 pm, at Mueller Funeral Home in Mason, Ohio. Please dress very casually and colorfully! You are welcome to bring a special memory or anecdote to share. If you send Lorie pictures, thoughts or memories of Nathan in advance she will include them in a presentation she is creating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NC State Bartonella/Vector Borne Disease Research.

The Ramsey family extends heartfelt gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time.