Ramona Jean Smith
Ramona Jean Smith passed away at the age of 87 years on Monday, February 4, 2019 at LaVerendre General Hospital, Fort Frances, ON.
Ramona was born to Gladys Eloise and Roy Smith, at home on the family farm north of Barwick, in Chapple Municipality on June 6, 1931.
She walked or rode her bicycle for 3 miles to Shenston School where she attended for 8 years. She was very fond of animals. Her mother raised Collie and Boston Terrier dogs, goats, chickens and turkeys, her Dad bought her a pony for her 14th birthday which she named Flicka. She loved riding her horse and all things western.
As a young girl, Ramona played accordion in “The Smith Orchestra” along with her parents in local dance halls in the area, especially Blackhawk. Ramona moved to Dryden and worked for logging camps doing cleaning and housekeeping.
In 1969, she moved to Vancouver, B.C. and worked at the Bayshore Inn Hotel and CNIB Cafeteria and then later on she became an Elevator Operator in the Vancouver City Hall for 6 ½ years. Ramona’s mother would join her in B.C., to get away from the Ontario winters for 23 years. They would do some traveling and attend various halls where music and dancing took place.
In the fall of 1974, she was united in marriage to Wesley Johnson of B.C. and enjoyed many years fishing and camping in the area.
In 1981, they moved to Whiterock, B.C., where she worked several summers, at a Senior Lodge. Ramona loved the beautiful flowers and ocean but had to move back to Ontario in 1995 to take care of her mother.
Ramona will be greatly missed by her family of cousins, Glen and Lucille Hart of Chapple Township, their daughters Jaclyn and Krysta and their families, Doug Kilpatrick of Kenora and his family, Velma Scott of Winnipeg, MB and her family, and Doris Howard of Alliston, ON and her family. Also step-sons, Erik and Rod Fischer and step-niece, Marlene and Garry Rowand and family of B.C.
Ramona was a familiar figure at the Barwick Café and made every effort to be there for fellowship. She was also loved and cared for by her Barwick Community family. Ramona was a very happy, fun loving woman despite her health difficulties and generally kept a very positive attitude on life. Ramona played music at the Senior Centre in Stratton with her cousin, Glen and also long-time friend, Bill Clink whenever she was asked. She loved music and parties.
Ramona was predeceased by her husband Wes Johnson, her parents, Roy and Gladys Smith and various aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Funeral Service will be held in the spring at Northridge funeral Home.
If desire, donations may be made in Ramona’s memory to the Riverside Care Facility in Emo or Fort Frances c/o Northridge Funeral Home, PO Box 89, Emo, ON P0W 1E0.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ramona Smith Monday February 4th 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Barwick, Province: Ontario