Ramona Geralda Cook, 61, of Russell, KS died on October 3, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. Ramona was born on 07/22/1961 in McCook, NE to Raymond and Bernadine Ritter. She grew up in Oberlin, KS and was the 2nd oldest of 5 girls. Ramona graduated Oberlin High School in 1979. She went on to college at Fort Hays State University and graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Education (Go Tigers!)
She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Gregory L. Cook on May 28, 1983, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oberlin, KS. From this union they were blessed with 4 children, Audra and Timothy (twins), Matthew and Michael.
Ramona taught school at USD 407 for 25 years from 1983-2008. She then went on to help her son Tim, at the A&W restaurant for a couple years before fully committing to Cooks Home and Auto- adding appliances, furniture, hardware and many other amazing items. Ramona and Greg purchased the store in 2004 and have owned and operated it ever since.
Ramona loved loading up the Astro mini van and taking the entire family on vacations. She enjoyed attending and never missed one of her kids’ recognitions, dance recitals, sporting events or special moments in their lives. She loved going to Chiefs games and when she couldn’t attend, she would watch them on tv. She was also a huge FHSU athletics fan! Ramona was blessed with two grandkids and loved spending time with them. Most recently, Ramona and Greg enjoyed travelling to shows to add new items to the store. She loved her Delta Mu family and was a proud member of St. Mary’s Queen of Angels Catholic -Church in Russell.
Ramona is survived by her spouse, Greg Cook (Russell), 4 children, Audra Henne (Lance Henne) of Wichita, KS, Timothy Cook (Jason Morford) of Russell, KS, Matthew Cook (Kathleen Cook) of Hays, KS and Michael Cook ( Paige Mendicina) of Russell, KS. She is survived by all 4 sisters, Marie Bloss (Jim Bloss) of McKinney, TX, Delores Healey (Grant Jaquith) of Topeka, KS, Rose Marconette (Sean Marconette) of Edwardsville, KS and Cathy Ritter of McKinney, TX. One brother-in-law, Mark Cook (Sandra Cook) of Hays, one sister-in-law, Debbie Cook (Bruce Smith) of Columbus, MT. Two grandchildren Paxton and Sienna Henne, several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, October 7, 2022 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 6, 2022 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. A Memorial has been established with St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.