Love For Every Creature

Marie Ramstetter, 2024 Western District Finalist, Colorado's Heart Award

REALTOR® Marie Ramstetter gives her time and treasure to save homeless cats and help them find new homes.

Most are aware of the struggles that animal shelters face in the United States: overcrowding, disease, lack of funds, lack of proper vaccines or medicines, and worst of all, not enough homes for all the animals in need. A longtime animal lover, Grand Junction REALTOR® Marie Ramstetter stepped in to help the Loma Cat House. Founded in 2005 by Barbra Brown to care for homeless cats in the Grand Valley, Loma Cat House quickly outgrew its first facility and reached out to the community for help. Ramstetter was one of two women to offer unconditional support.

“I grew up on a farm and loved every creature,” Ramstetter said. “It is such a gift to [help] sick or wounded animals come back to a healthy life – it warms your heart [and] heals your soul.” tireless basis. She does all of this with a giving heart.”

For almost 20 years, Ramstetter has played a pivotal role in expanding and stabilizing Loma Cat House, helping it grow into a sustainable organization. She fundraised and oversaw construction of new buildings on a friend’s horse ranch to establish a larger facility. She has since devoted over 1,000 hours of her time to trapping, caring for, and arranging vet care and adoptions of countless feral cats and kittens.

“She tends to inspire people to help,” said friend Betty Fulton. “She’s taken on this massive job on a purely volunteer and tireless basis. She does all of this with a giving heart.”

Ramstetter’s passion for helping animals brings her great joy. “Cats have always been special to me,” she said. “Their purring does feel like it heals. Animals can teach you so many lessons [if] you just pay attention.” One such lesson, she says, is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

“As a REALTOR®, we all find situations that hinder the sale of our listings,” she said. “When everything goes well, there is a lot of satisfaction and joy. But there is also heartbreak, one needs to get used to bearing that.”

While Ramstetter’s supporters say she will likely never retire from either real estate or her service to homeless animals, Ramstetter considers the passage of time a way to deepen her impact. “At age 78, I will not live that many more years,” she said. “I want to leave a legacy to animal rescue that will enhance their lives and help protect the earth.”