Ramona Jeannine Romine

Ramona Jeannine Romine passed away February 5, 2025. She was loved dearly by her husband Gary, and adored by her three sons and their spouses, Lee and Karen, Larry and Vicki, and Lance and Laurie. As we all know, Ramona loved to bake - her six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren gave her a reason to make more cookies.

Ramona was born September 18, 1934, to Ernie and Lyrie Moore in Prineville. Ramona grew up enjoying ranch life with her siblings, Van, Janice, and Crystal. She often made the comment that she wouldn't trade her growing up years for anything. She and her siblings helped on the ranch with the animals, milking, and enjoyed riding horses.

Ramona was a rodeo princess in 1950. Her father, Ernie, was the first to bring Arabian horses to Central Oregon. He was a horse whisperer before the term became common. A portion of the original land that she grew up on is farmed now by her son, Lee. She met her husband, Gary, in

1948. His family came from Salem, and his father, Rusty Romine, managed the Erickson's Department Store in Prineville.

Ramona graduated from Crook County High School in 1952, and Gary in 1950. They attended OSU together, where Ramona was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She was a devoted member of PEO Sisterhood for more than 50 years.

Ramona completed two years in Home Economics at OSU and Gary graduated in 1954. They were also married in 1954. Gary served in the United States Army from 1955-57, and their first son, Lee was born at Fort Ord, CA. Gary and Ramona had two more sons, who were born in Prineville - Larry, born in 1959, and Lance, in 1961.

The couple moved to their home on Loper in 1964, and they taught their young family about hard work while they were young. The boys spent lots of time outside, and learned carpentry, riding bikes, and playing baseball. When Ramona's sister lived in Suplee, her three children stayed with the Romines to go to school during the school year. They also provided a place for the McDormack children while going to school. Gary and Ramona referred to them as their

"country kids" and cherished the time they spent with them. Gary and Ramona were proud to have helped shape their lives.

Gary worked for the Erickson's Department store while in school and began full time in 1957. He and Ramona took over the store when his father retired in 1966. They purchased the store from Carl Erickson in 1972. Gary and Ramona closed the store and retired in 1994.

Ramona was involved in Sunday school at the Prineville Community Church and in many projects in her church. She enjoyed gardening and cooking-and was known as an excellent seamstress and cook. She and Gary were heavily involved in the Crook County Chamber of Commerce and helped with family projects. 

Ramona was dedicated to her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She loved to entertain folks in her home. She was never afraid to tackle a dinner challenge. Whether it was a visiting "dignitary", church dinner, newcomer to town, or just a fun party for friends, she always came forward.

The couple began a weekly tradition that welcomed friends and family one night per week for fun and conversation. The tradition continued until her passing, and their home was always open. Her dedication to family and to community was evident throughout her adult life, and she tirelessly donated her time and energy to helping her family and community as she was able.

Ramona thoroughly enjoyed the trips she and Gary made traveling with friends after retirement.

They traveled to many countries in the world, as well as many interesting places in the United States. She once commented, "These wonderful experiences filled a dream we never thought we would get to enjoy.

They also had what the referred to as "mystery vacations" with friends from the valley-never telling them where they were going in the greater Central Oregon area.

Remembrances in Ramona's honor, please consider donating to the Crook County Historical Society, PEO Scholarships, and/or the Humane Society of the Ochocos.

A private family graveside service was held on Friday,  February  7th., 2025. The family plans to have a celebration of Ramona's life in the form of an old fashioned gathering. It will be held on March 21st. at the Carey Foster hall  on the Crook County Fairgrounds. All who knew her will be welcomed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ramona Jeannine Romine, please visit our floral store.