Ramona J. Tracy (Martin) Roberts, age 79 of Springfield, MO, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018. She was born to the late Paul and Addie Tracy on May 23, 1939.

Ramona graduated from Central High School in 1957 before attending Southwest Missouri State University where she received her a Bachelors of Science is education in 1968. She received her Master's of Science in Education from Drury University in 1975. For 27 years Ramona was an elementary school teacher. She taught at Bolivar, Fair Grove, and Willard. She was a devoted teacher who put in many extra hours and loved her students.

A loving wife, mother and homemaker, Ramona was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, most especially over the holidays. She had a collection of recipes that ranged from her mother’s banana bread to the latest corn casserole from Southern Living. She also loved to paint. She attended several Bob Ross painting classes and had many “happy trees” on canvases decorating her and Ken’s home.

Ramona accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Boulevard Baptist Church in Springfield. She lived out her faith by always encouraging and supporting those around her. She was a long-time, faithful member of South Haven Baptist Church.

In 1986 she married Ken Roberts. In 2000, they moved to Florida, but returned to Springfield in 2010. While she loved the beach and seafood, Florida was just too far away from her sons.

After her retirement she took line dancing lessons, eventually joining a team that traveled to various competitions. She and Ken also volunteered for the Red Cross disaster team for several years. Never a couple to just sit around, Ramona and Ken traveled extensively. Ramona enjoyed meeting people and learning about the places they visited. During their 32-year marriage they traveled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Ramona loved life, her family and friends, and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a bright light in the lives of those around her and will be greatly missed.

Ramona is survived by her husband, Ken; two sons, Russell Martin and David Martin and his wife Kristi; stepson, Mike Roberts and his wife Ann; three grandchildren, Ashley Pugh and her husband, Zach; Cody Martin, wife Brena and their daughter Joleigh; and Seth Fuson.

Visitation will be held at Greenlawn North in Springfield from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday night, September 7. A graveside service will be held at Greenlawn North Cemetery on Saturday, September 8 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association @ www.alz.org.