Ramona Lee Arnold, age 86, died Wednesday morning April 8, 2020, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. She was born November 26, 1933, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to L.B. and Eloise Norwood.
Ramona grew up in Pauls Valley, OK graduating from Pauls Valley High School in 1952. She attended Oklahoma State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Child Care and Development degree also earning her teaching Certificate in Elementary School Education. Ramona met and married Phil Arnold at Oklahoma State University. They were married on January 26, 1956.
Ramona was devoted to raising her children, Larry and Janice. She taught pre-kindergarten in Lawrence, KS; Topeka, KS; and Edmond, OK. She made an impact on many children’s lives throughout her 29-year career. Ramona took her vocational focus from Eph. 4:11 that teaching young children was a special gift from God. She taught young children kindness, sharing, gentleness and loving. After she retired, Ramona’s caregiving took on new meaning as she became a Stephen Minister. Ramona provided loving care to both parents and was devoted to her sister’s care for 22 years.
Her Christian faith was important to Ramona. She believed in Jesus Christ and the salvation found in Him.
Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, L. B. and Eloise Norwood; her sister, Linda Lou Norwood; two uncles, Howard and William Norwood; three aunts, Patsy (Vaught) Flowers and husband Hershel, Pauline (Norwood) Richardson and husband Frank, Ailene (Norwood) Cooke and husband T. M. Cooke.
Surviving family include her husband Phil Arnold of Lawrence, KS; son Larry Arnold and wife Jane (Volmer) Arnold of Lawrence, KS; daughter Janice Arnold of Wichita; KS; grandson Matt (Katie) Stratton of Chicago, IL and three great granddaughters; as well as a number of cousins and nephews.
The family would like to thank Visiting Nurses Association of Lawrence and Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for their loving care of Ramona and her family.
A private family service is planned for another date. Celebration of Life ceremonies will also take place at another date.
Memorials are suggested to Visiting Nurses Association of Lawrence, KS, and Christ Community Church of Edmond, OK, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
My mother and I met Ramona at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. I remember her beautiful smile. She seemed so gentle and kind. God bless you with many happy memories.
Ramona was such a Good Cousin to my Mother Marilyn Kay Wallis. Her and Her Sister Linda Lou and Her Parent’s LB and Eloise were very close to my Mom Marilyn and Marilyn’s Mother Alleyene Cook and Tm Cook. My Condolences to The Arnold Family through this difficult time.
Belated condolences to the Arnold family. We met Phil and Ramona at Mustard Seed Church (now Rev City Church) a few years ago and really enjoyed our friendship with them. Ramona is now with Jesus and what a joy for her to be gathered to her family and friends who are all in the presence of God and Jesus. Phil, you will join her one day and experience the wonder of God’s holy presence. We love you.
Phil, Janice, Larry and family:
Sending our deepest sympathies. Ramona was such a gentle and loving soul, which was a true reflection of her abiding love in Jesus Christ. Our hearts go out to you at this time and you are in our prayers.
With love,
Cousin Laura, Callie and Christopher from Chicago
Phil, I am so sorry to learn of Ramona,s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her in the dining room. Take care of yourself while we are all quartined in our apartments.
Ramona lived through the suffering of Alzheimer’s disease with grace and even in her last few months was still able to smile with a twinkle in her eyes. I know Ramona was forever grateful for the loving care of her devoted son, Larry, my husband. She raised him unknowingly in her image, who in her last several years of her life, lovingly cared for her as she
had done for her parents. Rest In Peace with our Heavenly Father, Ramona.
Ramona was a true Christian woman always. Not a come and go one. She had loads of loveing care for all. Her sweetness will be missed by many. She is in Gods hands now.