Jannette Bole
It saddens me to hear of Ramona's passing, as she was my first design prof who inspired me to be and do more in art and in life. She was a true inspiration. We would have deep, meaningful chats about art and life in general. She taught me about critique. I would take it so personally in the beginning, and she taught me to "never marry your design. You put it up, you show it, you defend it--but you do not marry it." Those words still ring in my ears 20+ years later when I meet with clients, I visited Ramona a lot at home when she was taking care of Andrew when he was ill. I learned just how deep a mother's love goes--by watching what all she did to find a cure or something to help him feel better. When Andrew passed, it left a huge hole in her heart that never healed. When I graduated from a different college than where she taught me, she showed up at my home with her truck decorated with bales of hay, farm utensils, and dressed as a farmer with hay sticking out of her hair and bibs. She was a hoot! Over the years she sent cards sharing the successes of Thad and Gina--she was always so proud of them and their accomplishments. She would call and share hilarious stories of cooking for the friars, with "accidents" caused by her poor sight (or lack thereof). Then we lost touch. Ramona lived life to the fullest and shared that enthusiasm with others. I'm sadden to no longer have her here on Earth, but it comforts me to know she was greeted in Heaven by God and her son Andrew and her vision will be restored 100% so she can take in the Glory of God and his majestic kingdom. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to all of her family. RIP Ramona.
