Ramona Harris

Ramona Harris, 88, of Anita, Iowa, formerly of Adair, Iowa, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Caring Acres Nursing and Rehab Center in Anita.

Ramona Belle Porter was born April 8, 1930, in Edna Township, Cass County, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph Edwin (1891-1984) and Goldie Logue Porter (1895-1975). Her siblings included one brother, Ross and seven sisters, Doris, Lois, Jeanne, Janelle, Shirley, Charlotte and Sharon. Their childhood was spent near the pioneer community of Reno, Iowa, not far from the old homesite of the great- grandparents, Edward (1813-1892) and Clarissa Richardson Powell Porter (1819-1872). Edward and Clarissa migrated in 1855 by covered wagon from Stark County, Illinois, to Iowa, where this Porter family settled in Edna Township; amongst the earliest settlers of the township. Ramona is a descendant of Mayflower Pilgrim, Richard Warren through her Powell / Tilden / Little / Warren ancestry. Long, long ago Ramona's great grandfather, Edward Porter (1813-1892), donated a hillside of his Edna Township Farm, for a community burial ground. In days-gone-by, this early cemetery / burial ground was known as the "Porter Cemetery" or the "Edna Cemetery." It is now known as the "Reno Methodist Cemetery." Edward and Clarissa Richardson (Powell) Porter and many of their descendants are buried there. Indeed, Porter/Powell descendants continue to be laid-to-rest in this rural Cass County, Iowa, cemetery -- even today! Ramona Bell (Porter) Harris will be also be laid to rest at the Reno Methodist Cemetery, amongst her Porter ancestors, for whom this early cemetery, was first named.

Ramona was united in marriage to Clifford Harris and they became the proud parents of two sons, Armond and Kelby (Dorothy) Harris. A third son, Jim (James Earl Wightman II), is lovingly referred to as the unofficially adopted brother to Armond and Kelby. Like her father, Ramona was exceedingly "good with numbers" and for many years was a valued employee of the Union Pacific Railroad, which she eventually left to perform the duties of wife and loving mother.

In addition to her knack for numbers, she embodied many of the best traits. Always seeing the better side of things while full of wit and intelligence, she humbly moved to help people, ever ready to open a door or find some way to make life more beautiful for others. Her flowers and yard were a standing testament to this and she loved to spend time there watching birds, as well. The kitchen at her home was often a flurry of activity, richly scented by her baking and pot roast. The boys devoured her apple salad, gingersnaps, raspberry parfait pie and all kinds of cookies. She was a giver, not a taker. Her sons recall her uncanny ability to help others manage tensions, disputes and to sort out disagreements. She was never prone to raise her voice but her children "always knew she knew!!"

She was a self-proclaimed "collector of collections!" They ranged from family interest items, antiques, outstanding samples of nature, Golden Book Early Learners, and with her love of children, she especially enjoyed anything to do with them. She delighted in a good walk and continued that exercise well into her older age.

Ramona was a member of the VFW Auxiliary to Post 8877 in Adair. She worked with area youth as they wrote "I Love America" and "Voice of Democracy" essay contest entries. She also worked with "Buddy Poppy" campaigns prior to Memorial Day.

She is survived by her sons, Armond Harris and Kelby (Dorothy) Harris both of Adair, and Jim (Jyl) Wightman of Winterset; grandchildren, Brandon (Casey) Wightman of Virginia Beach, VA, Nicholas Wightman and Meghan Wightman both of Winterset, Garrett Harris and Payton Harris both of New Virginia, Steven Rogers of ​Moline, IL,​ Jennifer (Dustin) Hogueison of Casey, Kayleigh (Jeremiah Carson) Harris of Jasper, MN, Alicia (Lucas) Jensen of Casey, Aaron Harris of Menlo, and Brett Harris and Hannah Harris both of Adair; great-grandchildren, Ronan Wightman, Brennan and Gavin Pederson ​and Daytin​ Hogueison; ​Trinity, Trenton, Kiel, Wyatt and Madelynne​ Carson; sisters,​ Charlotte Slaby​ of Omaha, Shirley Cranston of Denver, CO,​ and Sharon (Larry​) Ainsworth of​ Omaha NE,; and many extended family and friends.

Preceding Ramona in death were her parents, Joseph and Goldie Porter; husband, Clifford Ray (C.R.) Harris; brother, Ross Porter; and ​sisters and brothers-in-law, Doris (Glenn) Knee, Lois Porter, Jeanne (Arnold) Petersen, Janelle (Robert) Swafford.​ ​

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 25, 2018, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, with Pastor Mike Martin of the First Baptist Church in Cumberland officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Reno Methodist Cemetery, south of Cumberland, Iowa.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Ramona’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Ramona B. Harris

BORN
April 8, 1930
Edna Township, Cass County, Iowa

DIED
May 20, 2018
Anita, Iowa

At the age of
88 years, 1 month & 12 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
11:00 A.M., Friday, May 25, 2108
Roland Funeral Home
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Mike Martin
First Baptist Church
Cumberland, Iowa

RECORDED MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Amazing Grace” by Gatlin Brothers
“Old Rugged Cross” by Lorna June Murray

CASKET BEARERS
Armond Harris
Garrett Harris
Kelby Harris
Aaron Harris
Jim Wightman
Nicholas Wightman

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Brandon Wightman
Brett Harris

INTERMENT
Reno Methodist Cemetery
Cumberland, Iowa

The family invites you to join them for lunch at the
Cumberland Community Center at
200 West 2nd Street, Cumberland, Iowa,
following the committal service.