Ramona Richardson

Ramona Grace, daughter of Harry and Grace (Drake) Olesen, was born March 10, 1928, on a farm southwest of Coon Rapids. There she grew up on the farm with four sisters and seven brothers. Ramona graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1945. Ramona was united in marriage with Charles Richardson on February 23, 1946, in Coon Rapids. Two children were born to this union, Dan Richardson and Cheryl Broderick. She began teaching in a country school until they moved from the area. Ramona continued her education and obtained a BA degree from Buena Vista College. She went on to obtain her Masters in English from the University of Northern Iowa. In 1963, they returned to Coon Rapids. They moved to a farm four miles northwest of Coon Rapids, Charles to farm and Ramona to teach English in the area. She primarily taught in the Coon Rapids Junior High School. Charles passed away in 1978. Ramona and children continued to farm and Ramona continued to teach for another year. Ramona then returned to college to become a paralegal. She then opened up an office in Coon Rapids, successfully owning her own insurance and real estate agency. Ramona was a member in the state and federal education association, EO-TTT, Rotary, American Legion Auxiliary, past president of the Library Board, past president of the First Christian Church Board, charitable fundraising and teaching a GED class called H.E.L.P. She loved spending her free time playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly called her "Grandma Great." Ramona enjoyed reading, playing cards, dancing, cheering on the Chicago Bears, going out to supper with her friends and special birthday outings with her sisters. During her lifetime Ramona spent many hours with the Olesen family at her father's rural Coon Rapids farm. Ramona was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines with a severe infection. She died there September 29, 2013 at the age of 85 years, 6 months, and 19 days. Ramona is preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, daughter Linda Sue Richardson, granddaughter Melinda Joe Richardson, brothers: Harry (Evelyn) Olesen Jr., Howard (Helen) Olesen,, Bill (Barb) Olesen, Robert (Jerilynn) Olesen, and Jens Olesen; In-Laws Charles Leonard Richardson, Evelyn (Clyde) Richardson, Archie Richardson, James Richardson, John Richardson, Larry Dean Richardson, Terry Richardson, Sarah (Bill )Bailey, Leo Kraft, Steve Kraft, Ronald Patrick, Ernie Golay, and Joni Golay-Penfold She is survived by her children Dan (Susan) Richardson of Coon Rapids; Cheryl (Brian) Broderick of Central Valley, New York; grandchildren Andrea (Rod) Richards, Charles Richardson, Lucas (Jamie) Richardson, Quinn Broderick, Charles Broderick, and Tory Broderick; great grandchildren Anthony Richardson, Remy Lee Richardson, Madysen Richardson, Brittany Richards, Braden Richards, Brooklyn Richards; brothers Earl (Jesse) Olesen, Max (Karen) Olesen, sisters Naomi Golay, Eunice (Howard) Herron, Claribel (Merlin) Sievers, and Mary-Ann (Lester) Olsen; sisters-in-law Phyllis Richardson, Joan Strautman and Zoan Kraft; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation Friday, October 4, 2013 6 - 9 PM Ohde Funeral Home Coon Rapids, Iowa Funeral Service Saturday, October 5, 2013, 11:00 A.M. First Christian Church Coon Rapids, Iowa Officiating Reverend Ben Ramirez Congregational Hymns In the Garden The Old Rugged Cross Casket Bearers Ronnie Mozena Tom Sievers Dennis Olesen Don Olesen Ronnie Dean Patrick Jerry Olesen Honorary Casket Bearers Harvey Andersen Sam Cretsinger Dean Lloyd Randy Olesen Max Olesen Earl Olesen Paul Slaybaugh Joe Johnston Howard Herron Interment At a Later Date in Orange County Cemetery