Ramona Rodriquez

Ramona Garcia Rodriquez, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and children Oct. 19, 2023. Ramona lived in Moses Lake for 53 years.

Ramona was born March 3, 1941, in Dilley, Texas, daughter of the late Gerardo and Antonia Garcia. Ramona was the third child of 10 to be born to Mr. and Mrs. Gerardo Garcia. Ramona was raised in Dilley among her older siblings until 1960, as then they migrated to Washington state with her parents, children and siblings.

Ramona went to primary school with Pablo Rodriquez and later they reconnected in Moses Lake where both of their families settled to work in the agricultural industry. Ramona and Pablo married in 1967 and decided to make Moses Lake their permanent home, raising their children Janie, Fermin, Bertha and their last blessing, Cecilia.

Ramona was a shining example of hard work and perseverance. She worked cooking meals for the Hispanic Senior Center program. Later, she went to work as the cook at the Catholic church, where she cooked and kept house for the priest. Ramona retired when she was 70 years old. Her work was a beautiful expression of her love and servant’s heart. She leaves behind a legacy of strong faith in Jesus. She made her Cursillo in 1971 and was part of the Christian movement that reached hundreds of Hispanic Catholic people in our area.

Ramona's zest for life extended beyond her work. She had a passion for gardening, cooking, enjoying music, dancing, and family gatherings. She was honored to be a godmother to countless nieces and nephews and friend’s children. Her creativity and appreciation for beauty illuminated the lives of all who knew her. She is survived by her loving family, including her children, 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many dear nieces and nephews and friends. Ramona's memory will continue to inspire us, reminding us to live each day with the same compassion, grace and strength she displayed throughout her life.

Her presence touched countless lives, and her memory will forever remain in our hearts. Ramona was a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to kindness, love, and resilience.

She is preceded in death by her parents Gerardo and Antonia Garcia; her siblings Marcelino Garcia, Albino Garcia, Juan Jose Garcia and Aurora Garcia; grandson Carlos Valdez; brother-in-law Hector Hernandez and sisters-in-law Nora Garcia, Sandy Garcia, Paula Garcia and Margarita Garcia.

Survivors include her spouse of 56 years; her children Juanita (Ramiro) Guzman, Fermin (Lily) Cedillo, Bertha Madera and Cecilia (Custodio) Valencia; her siblings Rosa (Lupe) Reyna, Margarita Hernandez, Francisca Garcia, Maria (Gilberto) Morales and Natividad Garcia; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Ramona’s passing is a profound loss, but her legacy of love and inspiration will forever remain with us. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. “Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day.”

Celebration of life will be Wednesday, Oct. 25, beginning with a holy rosary at 10 a.m. and mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Road. Interment to follow at Guarding Angels Cemetery, 2595 Road L NE, Moses Lake, Wash. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories, Moses Lake, Wash. Please leave your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.