Ramona Ann Veregge, 89, arrived at her heavenly home on Sunday, February 24, 2019, from Maranatha Village in Springfield, Missouri.
She was born November 2, 1929, to Alva and Nelly Yates and big brother Richard Yates (deceased). She was a graduate of Central High, class of 1947. In 1948 Ramona traveled to Houston, Texas, where she married Frederick L. Veregge of St. Joseph, Missouri. They had two children, Crystal Veregge and Frederick “Rick” Veregge, both of Springfield, Missouri, and foster son, Harrold Metz; four grandchildren, Lisa Kays of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Shawna Foxall of Springfield, Missouri, James Hance of Arkansas and Bryan Veregge of Springfield, Missouri; and four great-grandchildren, Emily Hance of Arkansas, Jacob Foxall, Darrell Gast and Isaac Veregge all 3 of Springfield, Missouri.
In 1958 the family, along with in-laws Fred and Myra Veregge, moved to 80 acres north of Springfield. There they battled copperhead and other vermin that inhabited land and houses that had been abandoned for 20 years. Where two of those houses stood now stands the visitors' center of Fantastic Caverns. Ramona sold tickets and ran the gift shop while Fred made the Caverns tourist friendly, including driving the first jeep tour.
After managing the cave for 10 years they purchased a local drive-in, Coney Joe's, on old Hwy 13. There Ramona was known for her fish, hushpuppies, coneys and ice cream treats.
From 1971 to present, Ramona was an active member of the National Federation of Grandmother's Clubs of America (NFGCA). After retirement Fred and Ramona purchased their first motorhome and transported Grannies to conventions across America.
Their love of travel caused them to visit 49 of the 50 states (all but Alaska), Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, and Spain. Fred answered his heavenly roll call in 2006 while camped in Brownsville, Texas. Ramona continued her support of the NFGCA and attended many conventions with long-time friends, Faun and John Tranbarger (Springfield's long time police chaplin). After Faun's death, Ramona accompanied John to several police and church functions.
Ramona always had a soft spot for dogs and in lieu of flowers, would appreciate donations to the Greene County Humane Society.
Though she is now with many of her family and friends, those still here will miss her greatly.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. No burial is planed.