Ramona Beata Ranstrom

Ramona Beata (Aronson) Ranstrom was born on January 24,1937 to Alfred and Hedwig “Hattie” (Pitka) Aronson in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She was the eldest of two daughters born to the couple and was raised and attended public school in Audubon. She enjoyed cheerleading, socializing, and attending sporting events. It was at a basketball game where she met her future husband, Grant Charles Ranstrom, when he offered to give her a ride home.

The couple were married on May 4, 1956 in Audubon and welcomed five daughters. The family relocated a few times, eventually settling in Detroit Lakes, and then Robbinsdale. As the girls grew, Ramona accepted clerical work, which ultimately led her to employment with Boy Scouts of America in Golden Valley. She worked there for over 25 years before retiring from the organization and moving to Alexandria in 2004. 

Ramona and Grant enjoyed over 60 years of marriage before Grant’s passing in 2018. Together, they enjoyed going out dancing and spending quiet time together. Ramona also enjoyed visiting and spending time with her children and grandchildren, Christmases at Breezy Point Resort, reading, doing crossword puzzles, knitting and crocheting, and playing the piano and organ. 

In November of 2024, Ramona was placed on hospice as her health started to decline. She was blessed to spend many years living with her daughter Joy, and passed away at her home on December 19, 2024; she was 87 years old.

Ramona is preceded in death by her husband, Grant Charles Ranstrom; parents, Alfred and Hattie Aronson; and sister, Sandra Stoltenow. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Bonnie (Joe) Stroinski, Joy Ranstrom, Cindy (Steve) Vilks, Cheri (Ron) Skalicky, and Vicki (Phil) Ernst; grandchildren: Kevin, Ben, Isabeau, Clint, Angelo, Aaron, Clayton, and Eli; eight great-grandchildren; and several other relatives and friends.

Private family services for Ramona will take place at a later date.