There will be a private visitation at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home followed by a private graveside service with interment in Fulton Township Cemetery.
Ramona was born December 23, 1922 in Fulton, IL, to Samuel L. and Grace A. (Smith) Merema. She was educated in rural Whiteside County Grade Schools. She then worked in the homes of several families assisting with household duties before being employed at the Garment Factory in Clinton, IA. On January 17, 1947, she married Harold G. Renkes in Fulton, IL. They shared their lives for over 72 years before his passing on December 18, 2019. Together, they farmed in the rural Garden Plain and Newton Township areas. After retiring and moving to Fulton, Ramona quietly pursued her passion for helping others in need, using her sewing and seamstress skills through the “Creative Crew” ministry of Trinity Reformed Church, where she was a member. There, she also served as church librarian for many years and she was an avid reader. She was currently a member of First Church in Fulton.
In lieu of memorials and flowers, please honor Ramona’s memory by enriching the life of someone in need through an act of kindness, just as Ramona quietly did through the “Creative Crew” ministry.
Survivors include her two daughters, Judy (Ken) Vanderploeg and Priscilla (Jake) Ritzema both of Fulton, IL; one son, Ken (Michelle) Renkes of Morrison, IL; five grandchildren, Traci (Ross) Kraemer, Kent Vanderploeg, Sara (Eric) Pessman, Brett (Melody) Ritzema, Kimberly (Myron) Graham; fifteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, and two brothers, Bert and Martin Merema.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ramona, please visit the floral store. Condolences can be shared at bosmarenkes.com.
