Ramona Alice Rau a longtime educator who inspired her students left her earthly home on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at the Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Ramona was born on February 8, 1935 in Bartlett, Kansas to Jay and Hazel (Camper) Fox. Her family moved to Coffeyville where she also attended school graduating from Field Kindley Memorial High School. She then continued her education at Coffeyville Community Junior college transferring on after obtaining her associates' degree to Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Completing her education with a Master's Degree from Northwestern State University.
Ramona Fox was very dedicated to the vow she made on March 10, 1956 in Coffeyville, Kansas to love until death took them part taking George S. Rau as her husband. Mr. and Mrs. George Rau just celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary together. The couple were blessed with two children, Aaron and Lesa. Her children thought she was the perfect mother, having fond memories of their childhood; she was nurturing, loving yet stern when she needed to be, fun and encouraged them in everything they did. She did her very best to instill her love for reading in her children as well. Summertime stirs memories of her love of gardening and canning the yields of the harvest. She loved to cook and would watch numerous cooking shows on TV or thumb through cookbooks to try a new recipe. Ramona cherished being a Grandma and Great Grandma, she was right there cheering her grandchildren on at every sporting event or school activity. She continued the tradition with her great grands until the time of her passing. She enjoyed being the jokester, she caught the grandchildren off guard once climbing into the empty ice machine at the grocery store waiving at them through the glass.
Ramona has collected several owls over the years and perhaps that was a reminder to her to never lose the desire to obtain wisdom. Being a 1st grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School at Caney Valley USD 436 was her passion. She wanted to instill a desire for learning and reading in each student she had. She also valued finding how to help each child learn no matter what their learning style. She created a classroom where each child felt safe in school and where they never felt threatened or afraid to try and kindness was always the rule.
Ramona is leaving behind the love of her life, husband George; children, Aaron Rau and wife Teresa, Lesa Rau; grandchildren, Jason Rau and wife Maria, Crystal Rau, Dustin Rau; great grandchildren, Seth and Shay Rau; sister Naomi (Poo) and husband Don Smead, brother-in law, Don Rau. She is now at rest with her parents, brother, William (Bill) Fox, and brother and sister-in-law, Marvin (Bud) and his wife Joyce.
Funeral services honoring the life and memories of Ramona will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Hope Church Assembly of God, 301 N McGee St, Caney, KS 67333 at 10 am with burial following in Diamond, Missouri at 3pm on Saturday. Pastors George Varghese and Jeff Wyrick will be officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 6 to 8 pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, KS 67337. Upon the request of the family they are asking for 1st or 2nd grade school supplies for Lincoln Elementary School students. A complete list of supplies can be found on the Caney Valley USD 436 website or contributions can be made payable to the Journey Home, 900 Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006. To leave a message of condolence for the family visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com
