Ramona Pearl Klassen (nee Loewen)

Obituary

Ramona Pearl Klassen (nee Loewen) passed away peacefully Monday, September 25, 2023 at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry, her parents, John D and Anna Loewen (nee Reimer) stepmother Helen Loewen (nee Unger) as well as siblings, Marian, Corinne, Lloyd, Jack and Leander.

Ramona was born in Steinbach in January 1933. It was a source of wonder to her that she lived to celebrate her 90th birthday, as her parents died young. Ramona was only nine years old when her mother died and Ramona clung to the belief that she would be reunited with her someday in heaven.

Ramona went to school in Steinbach and enjoyed it. Circumstances at home meant she quit school after grade 8 to help with the younger siblings. She returned to school after one year at home, completing her grade 10 which was the required level of education for missionaries at that time.

Going on the mission field was a close-held dream of Ramona’s and her boyfriend had to promise to do so before she would agree to marry him.

He did.

Ramona married Henry Klassen in September 1954 and they were married for close to 69 years. Together they raised four children. Each one born in a different location depending where Henry and Ramona’s pastoral life took them.

From 1962-1971 they served in Belize and Ramona spoke often of her love for the Belizean people and enjoyed reminiscing about the relationships she formed there.

Although Ramona was longing to go to heaven, she had a zest for life on earth. Always ready to travel and most especially to meet new people. She would stop to chat with strangers in restaurants or waiting rooms. In the last few years she would be very proud to be the oldest person in the room and often opened a conversation with that in mind. Ramona embodied gratitude in everything she did and had many running lists of things for which she was thankful. Her relationship with Jesus was always ranked number one.

Her passing leaves a huge hole in the family tapestry. We dearly miss her positivity and radiant smile. We hope to carry it forward into our own lives.

Ramona is survived by children Phillip (Lori) Klassen, Terry Klassen (Grace Dueck), Ladine Klassen, and Christine (Jake) Unger; her grandchildren: Lisa (Robert) Heinrichs, Jeff Klassen (Romain Chareyron), Natasha Klassen (Andrew Hector), Jacquelyn Klassen (Christian Lacko), Bright (Gabriel) Thorsteinson, Robert Klassen, Riley Unger (Crimson Childs), Hannah Hart (Alex Adams), and Kiera Hart. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Luke, Peter, Jack, and Bethany Heinrichs. In addition, she leaves her sisters Loris and Priscilla and brothers Barry and Kelvin, several siblings-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Kelvin, Esther Barkman and Anne Schalla who did so much to help support Ramona.

The viewing will take place on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The livestreamed Memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

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