Ramona WANLESS

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WANLESS: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ramona Indiana Wanless (Johnson). Ramona passed away with family by her side on September 13 at Willowview Personal Care Home in Reston, MB. Ramona was born on October 14, 1930 in Winnipeg to Margaret and Johann Johnson. She was raised in Balder with sister Leola and brother Allan. Ramona married Gordon Wanless in 1950 together they lived on the Wanless family farm near Belmont where they raised their 6 children. This was a busy time for Ramona taking the kids to 4-H, skating, curling, hockey, and other activities. She loved her farm life, caring for her garden ensuring that the food was ready for the winter ahead. She was often heard to say “What do you need and what can I do for you?” Ramona was involved in many groups throughout the years – the Rebecca Lodge, Alma School, Belmont United Church, and the Manor Board. In later years she worked off the farm providing homecare for many people in the area. When she wasn’t working, Ramona enjoyed sewing, doing puzzles, playing bingo, and having coffee with the ladies. Ramona’s favourite pastime was her knitting and many have benefited from her passion. Especially after Gordon’s death in 1995 Ramona enjoyed the company of her many cats and especially of her dog named Casey. As the family increased in size Ramona loved spoiling her grandchildren and could be counted on to come and stay with them when needed. Over the years she spent many hours sharing the wonders of the farm with her grandson Branden. Ramona stayed on the farm as long as she could, but two years ago she moved to Reston to be near her son Lane and his family. The last year she lived at Willowview Personal Care Home until her death. Ramona was predeceased by her parents Margaret and Johann Johnson, husband Gordon, and brother Allan. She is survived by her sister Leola (Currie) Campbell, sisters-in-law Jean Johnson, Jean Wanless, and Olive Wanless. Ramona is also survived by her six children: Son Dennis (Marsha) and their children Denise (Kelvin), Darren (Zoe). and Deanna; Son Neil (Deidre); daughter Sherri (Jim); Daughter Leanne (Doug) and their children, Kelby and Keegan; daughter Ann-Marie and her daughter Calie, and Ramona’s youngest son Lane (Candy) and their children Branden and Kennedy. Ramona was also blessed with three great-grandchildren Mackinley, Riley and Lucas. There were also many step grandchildren and step-great- grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ramona was a woman who loved her home on the farm, a woman you could count on to help out in a pinch and who was proud of her Icelandic heritage. Graveside services were held on Thursday, September 18 at the Hillside Cemetery in Belmont, MB with Beth Clark officiating. Memoriams can be made in Ramona’s memory to the Hillside Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, c/o RM of Strathcona, Belmont, MB or to the Belmont Knox United Church Memorial Fund or to the Willowview Personal Care Home Activity Fund, Reston, MB. Funeral arrangements were handled by Jamieson’s Funeral Services Glenboro, MB.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 27, 2014