Ramona Jean Burkhart

Ramona Jean Burkhart, age 86 of New Bavaria, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Genacross of Napoleon, surrounded by her loving family.   
  
She was born on September 14, 1938 in Florida, Ohio to Luella (nee Wichman) and Victor Hull. Her family moved to Detroit during the WWII years for better employment for her father, from 1940-50, before returning to Defiance, where she attended St. John Lutheran Parochial School in 1956. She was employed at Manufacturers Supply Co. until 1958.

On November 29, 1958 Ramona married the boy next door, the love of her life, Paul Burkhart. They were married in St. Mary Catholic Parsonage in Defiance and they honeymooned in New Orleans. Ramona and Paul resided on their New Bavaria farm all of their married lives, raising five children. She was devoted to her family, serving large meals from their farm-raised beef and fresh garden. And she loved baking pies, which were her husband's favorite! She was very involved in her children's activities and sports, coaching the Holgate Junior Girls Softball team for a number of years. She loved family vacations, taking their children to nearly all of the 50 states and Canadian provinces.

A lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, Ramona was a devoted sports follower. She was also an avid reader and shared her love of books by volunteering at the Defiance Library, delivering books to the homebound for many years.

Ramona was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance and served as Sunday School secretary and Kindergarten Aide.

One of Ramona's greatest joys in life was traveling the world with Paul. They visited 38 countries, including numerous castles and cathedrals across Europe, walking The Great Wall of China, riding elephants in India, and climbing Mt. Sinai in the Holy Land.

Ramona is survived by her five children, Laura Burkhart of Botkins, Elaine (Gary) Aukerman of Jeromesville, Valerie Shaw of Lancaster, Gina Hutchinson of Waterville, and Dan (Roni) Burkhart of Montpelier, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She also leaves behind her brother Jan (Sarah) Hull of Fairfield, VA, and her sister Vicki Vogel of Defiance. Ramona was preceded in death by Paul, her loving husband of 65 years, her parents, brother Dennis Hull, and brother-in-law, Vic Vogel.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 27th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, October 28th at St. John Lutheran Church, with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating. An additional hour of visitation will be held before the service at the church. Ramona will be laid to rest at Riverview Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church or School. 

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