Obituary

Ramona “Mona” Joan Holm, 88, passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at home in Ocala, FL, surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life will be held in Des Moines, IA on Friday, August 15, 2025, with visitation from 12:30pm - 1:30pm, and funeral service starting at 1:30pm at Iles Grandview Park Funeral Home, 3211 Hubbell Avenue. A private burial will be at the Story City Municipal Cemetery in Story City, IA immediately following the service.

Ramona was born on January 24, 1937, in Story City, IA to Morrel and Celia (Mickelson) West. She grew up in rural Story City on her parents’ farm and graduated from Story City High School in 1955. Ramona was instrumental in getting Girls’ 6 on 6 Basketball started in Story City and was known for her infamous hook shot on the court, which she developed from having to shoot over her brother playing ball on the farm. While she was usually a 25+ point scoring forward, she often joked that their first season they had a “perfect record”, they lost every game.

Ramona married Richard “Dick” Holm on July 1, 1956, at the age of 19, after Dick returned home from the Army. Following their marriage, they moved to Des Moines, IA. They celebrated 61 years of marriage with Christ being at the center. They were a devoted couple, and Dick was the love of her life. Dick and Ramona had one daughter, Kristin and the three of them had a very close relationship, extending to her grand-great grandchildren.

Upon moving to Des Moines, Ramona got a job at Drake University as the Assistant to the Men’s Dean of Students. She was a member of the PHTC club (aka “Putting Hubby Through College”) with other wives on campus. Shortly after Dick graduated, Ramona obtained a job with the Des Moines Public School District (DMPS) in 1957, and in 1968, she became a Library Clerk at Hoover High School (HHS), where she retired in 2001 after completing 44 years of employment with the DMPS district.

She and Dick were long-time members of Zion Lutheran Church until they relocated to Ocala, FL in 2016 to be near Kristin and family. Ramona enjoyed attending choir concerts with Dick and being a member of a women’s bible study. Her faith was at the center of her life, which she shared with her family over the years.

Ramona was a very kind, humble and loving person with a good sense of humor and generous spirit. She treasured time with her family most and made everyone feel special with hugs and love at every encounter. Her greatest joy was watching and supporting her grandchildren in all of their activities and welcoming great grandchildren into her family. Ramona enjoyed going to ball games, reading, coffee with friends and colleagues, attending high school/ family reunions, and traveling. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and some of her fondest memories were celebrating Christmases with lutefisk and lefsa with extended family.

Her family will cherish her memory, knowing how much they meant to her - and how much she meant to them. Nothing was more precious to Ramona than her family, which has set an enduring example of true love for generations to come.

Those left honoring her memory include her daughter and best friend, Kristin (Eric) Hauge of Ocala, FL; grandchildren Austin Bowen (Courtney), Alyson Picard (Vincent) and Brandon Hauge (Adiya); great grandchildren Bransyn Bowen, Hansyn Hauge, Adalee Hauge, and Kolsyn Bowen; brother and sister-in-law Jerry (Orpha) Holm; and cherished cousins, nephews and their families, and several dear family and high school friends.

Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick, brother Howard West, sister-in-law Gloria West, brother-in-law Thomas Holm, sister-in-law Bonnie Holm and nephew, John Holm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and cards may be mailed to the family, in care of Kristin Hauge, 323 NW 66th Place, Ocala, FL. 34475. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Gentiva Hospice of Ocala, FL or Hope Lutheran Church of Des Moines, 3857 E, 42nd St, Des Moines, IA. 50317. Online condolences will be welcomed at www.ilescares.com.

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