RAMONA FOUNTAIN

Ramona Viola Fountain, 87, of Neenah, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Ramona was born on October 16, 1936, to Viola and Frank Kusta in Waukechon, Wisconsin. After graduating from Bonduel High School in 1954, she attended UW-Oshkosh, worked briefly as a switchboard operator, and earned an elementary education degree. While in college, she met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) William Fountain while boating on the Fox River, and they married soon after, on July 19, 1958. Ramona and Dick raised four children—Randall Richard, Sandra Lee, Andrea Rae, and Suzette Ranae. Ramona was a loving wife and nurturing mother. As a stay-at-home mom, Ramona volunteered and was involved in many of her children's activities, including being a Sunday school teacher. Once her children were older, she worked as an elementary school reading specialist. She enjoyed many interests: boating, golfing, bowling, traveling, and reading. Those who knew Ramona well knew one of her favorite pastimes was playing cards, especially bridge, where she played with the same group of cherished friends for over fifty years.

In 1980, Ramona and Dick built a home on Lake Winnebago in Neenah—a shared dream of theirs to live on the water. While enduring challenges, they continued to embrace the blessings and joy that came their way. After Dick's passing in 1998, Ramona continued to live independently at her lake home until March 2023, spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing Sudoku, reading, sitting by the lake, going out to eat, playing cards, and getting her hair and nails done. 

Ramona was always up for a game of cards, a dirty martini with extra olives, any kind of chocolate (especially Hershey Kisses), giving away her famous pecans, a visit from family or friends, and was always willing to offer a supportive, listening ear. She made friends everywhere she went, always recognizing the strengths in others, and believing in the human dignity of all. Despite life's challenges, she persevered and was resilient, advocated for others, and had a kind spirit, charm, and a zest for life. People who met her automatically felt drawn to her loving and kind nature, charisma, and spunk. Among her most cherished blessings were her grandchildren, whom Ramona lovingly called her “flowers.” She entertained her children and grandchildren with cherished family stories, lessons, and memories. Her family will miss her love, compassion, comfort, guidance, wisdom, and laughter. Her spirit will remain forever in our hearts, and she will always be a part of us. 

Ramona is survived by three daughters, Sandra (Kirk) Ryan, Andrea Streblow, and Suzette (Mark) Koeppel; six grandchildren, Cole and Whitney Ryan, Jessica Streblow, Payton, Reid, and Marley Koeppel; sister Elaine (Ken) and twin brother Ronald (Kathy);  Cousin Gene Gunderson, who was much like a little brother throughout Ramona's life. Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Viola Kusta; her husband, Richard; son Randall; son in-law, Jeffrey Streblow; cousin Terry Gunderson; and her special friend Richard Mason.

Family and friends may gather on Saturday, March 16 from 9 AM to 11 AM at Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Ave., Neenah, WI with a celebration of her life to follow at 11 AM. A luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in Neenah will follow the service. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to family and friends for their kindness and support this past year while she battled Lewy Body Dementia. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established by Ramona's family in her honor which will include: donations to Lewy Body Dementia Research,  Brewster Village special events,(https://www.brewstervillage.org/donations/), and the Random Acts of Kindness Movement.