Muse Machine says goodbye to our dear friend and colleague Sheila Ramsey, who passed away on Thursday, June 28.

Sheila was the first staff member of Muse Machine, bringing the organization to life alongside Suzy Bassani in a small room in Suzy’s home. She was also a founding staff member of The Human Race Theatre Company, an educator, a professional director and actress and the founder of her own theatre company. Sheila has been a powerful voice for African American culture through her art. Her boundless spirit and creative resources shaped the experiences of thousands of young people, audience members and all of us who were fortunate enough to share her world. 

“Sheila was one of the most amazing people I have ever met,” said Muse Machine founder Suzy Bassani. “She enriched my life in every way possible. We laughed together, we cried together, we dreamt together. She was unique – there was no one like her and there never will be. With a broken heart I thank Sheila for all the amazing memories. I will treasure them to my dying day.”

And Michael Kenwood Lippert, Director of Elementary and Preschool Programs for Muse Machine, added simply, “Sheila was an amazing activist, an incredible artist and a true teacher. She was my best friend.”

A service celebrating Sheila’s life will occur on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11:00am at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church (5301 Free Pike, Dayton OH 45426, 937-837-7741).

Sheila’s family has asked that donations in Sheila’s memory be made to:
• Muse Machine; 126 N Main St; Suite 310; Dayton OH 45402 (click to donate)
• or Echoing Valley Residential Center (where Sheila’s son Buddy lives and thrives); 7040 Union Schoolhouse Rd; Dayton OH 45424