"I'm trying to live a quiet, peaceful life and stay out of trouble, and all it is, is one thing after another."
The above quote could, quite literally, be my motto. But it isn't my quote. Instead, it was uttered by a spunky old broad up in Kentucky recently after she apprehended a thief in her barn. Leaning on her walker and brandishing a .38-caliber snubnosed handgun, 82-year-old Venus Ramey held the miscreant at bay until the cops arrived, having been called by a passing motorist.
What is even more interesting about this gun-totin' granny, is that she might be my kin (and I would be proud to claim her). You see, I'm a Ramey too--and there aren't many of us. My sisters and I just dance a jig every time a Ramey is named prominently in any area of life. And it seems Miss Venus has other claims to fame. She was Miss American 1944, the year I was born! Nobody ever told me this. WHY?
After winning the pageant with her singing, dancing and comedic talents, Ramey sold war bonds and her picture was displayed on a B-17 that flew missions over Germany in World War II. She was the first red-haired Miss America and the first one to be photographed in color. I'm so proud, my buttons would be popping if I was wearing any buttons right now. Her daddy and granddaddy were prominent in the Kentucky state legislature of the 1930s, and she had an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War (it's not clear what side he fought on).
You go, Cousin Venus! And if you're ever in these parts, stop in for a glass of iced tea and a chat.
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On 04/24/2007, Betty Jo said ...
What a wonderful story! Isn't history fascinating, especially if the people involved are possibly related to us. I truly hope you are actually related to this incredible lady. Do you have red hair? xoxo
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