Helen Irene Ramsey (Granny) Painter, 90, of 358 Westminister Drive, Fishersville, Virginia, died Sunday, June 24, 2007, at home.

Helen was born June 15, 1917 in Rockbridge County, a daughter of the late Simon and Estelle (Hite) Ramsey.

Throughout her life she was a loving daughter, sister, wife, friend, aunt, mother and grandmother, but most of all she was Granny. She was loved by all who knew her and she returned that love.

She was a member of West Waynesboro Church of Christ and former member of Hebron Baptist Church. She also belonged to the Midway Baptist Honor Society. She enjoyed attending Waynesboro Senior Center, the Sunshine Bible School Class and spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving family members include four sons, Dillard Painter and his wife, Beverly, of Verona, Junior and Donnie Painter, both of Waynesboro, Danny Painter and his wife, Jane, of Waynesboro; one daughter, Jane Zimmerman and her husband, Frank, with whom she resided in Fishersville; 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and a number of stepgrandchildren and step great - grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband,Willie Frank Painter; one son, Willie Morris Painter; daughter, Brenda Carden; a son-in-law, Ray Carden; a daughter-in-law, Diane Painter; a grandson, Michael Painter; a great - granddaughter, Julie Bowen; and 10 siblings, six brothers, Lloyd, Lewis, Morris, Manson, Quinton and Billy Ramsey; and four sisters, Hazel Fitzgerald, Macy Fitzgerald, Ethel Hite and Agnes Jones.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at West Waynesboro Church of Christ by Pastor Phil Forehand. Burial will follow at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be her children and son-in-law Frank Zimmerman. Honorary pallbearers will be family members.

Published in The News Virginian on June 26, 2007