Ramona Emerson Obituary (1937 - 2021)

Ramona Mae Emerson passed away on Sunday July 4th, 2021, at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford at the age of 84 . She was born on January 6, 1937 to mother Eleanor Bernhagen, and father Matthew Thomas, in West Allis. WI. Ramona married Otto Emerson in 1954 in Rockford, IL. They had two daughters, Rosemarie (Mark Shedd), and Lou Ann (deceased Larry Kulpa). Ramona and Otto lived in Rockford until 1976, when they relocated to Sarasota, Florida with Otto’s employer . They spent many years enjoying the Florida sunshine. Ramona worked at a Publix grocery store in the bakery department for 20 years, and then 6 years as a crossing guard for the police department. Otto passed away in 2011 in Sarasota. Ramona then moved back to the Rockford area in 2012 to be closer to family. She loved reading books, knitting, sewing, cooking and baking. She was known for making her famous fudge and potato salad. She was well known for wearing something leopard print to many occasions. A trend setter for years . She was also involved with her daughters and 5 grandkids, Wayne, Crystal, Tim, Jessie (Tommy Smith), Markus and 9 great-grandchildren, Cody, Autumn, Josh, Tre, Audrey, Evalina, Landon, Lydia, and Jaxen. Ramona had 11 brothers and sisters, Michael Thomas, Judy Walker, Cindy Soter, Carol Kost, Laona Larson, Lorraine Sternadal, Randy Larson, Lorin Larson, and Larry Larson. She was predeceased by her sister Layene Heck, brothers Wendell Larson, and Clare Larson . Ramona loved to go and visit them when they had a family get-together. Ramona was lots of fun, went to a lot of family parties and kept busy going to the YMCA. She was the welcome person for all the new people that moved into the apartments - she liked to visit everyone there and make friends. She will be missed by all her family, and friends. God bless you Ramona for all your fun and memories. We Love You Bunches ! ♥️ Family service pending