Ramona Montez

Ramona Lira Montez was born in Devine, Texas to Espiridion Lira and Gregoria Vasquez Lira on February 11, 1925.

Ramona Montez worked all her life, starting at age 13 by lying about her age. She helped support her mother as her father passed away when she was only 9. At 19, Ramona married Leandro Montez, but only on the condition that her mother was going to live with them. He agreed. Ramona worked hard all her life. She worked at various packing companies in south Texas, in the Weslaco area, packing vegetables and citrus fruits. During summer vacation, she would pack up her boys and take them to work picking cotton and/or vegetables, no lollygagging there.

Ramona enjoyed sewing and crocheting, watching Spanish soap operas, and big time wrestling. Who would have thought? Ramona loved to cook. If you came to visit you must also be hungry and you had to eat.

Ramona is survived by her children, all from Holland, Michigan. Leandro (Ray) and Elida Montez, Alberto and Ida Montez, Juan and Jan Montez, Andrea Galvan, Arnaldo and Emma Montez, Armando and Yolanda Montez, Aracelia and Enrique Aleman, and Ana Zuniga.

She is also survived by 24 grand children, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren Numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Espiridion and Gregoria Lira, siblings, Andrea Lira, Ursulo (Nick) Lira, Emilia Lira Rodriguez, Romana Lira Vargas, and son-in-law, Noe Galvan.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, February 29 from 5-7pm at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W 32nd Street, in Holland. A funeral mass will take place on Friday at 11:00am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 171 W 13th Street, Holland. A one hour visitation will take place prior to the service. Burial will take place at Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Resthaven Care Center, 948 Washington Avenue, Holland, MI 49423.