Ramona M. Peone

Ramona M. Peone 92, was born August 28, 1922, into the Northern California home of Thomas and Sadie D. Denman-Kibby and passed away in her Keller, Washington home on Monday, June 29, 2015. A proud member of the Wiyot Tribe of California, Ramona ("Blue Jay") to her California family), graduated high school in 1940 and thereafter worked painting airplanes in San Francisco, California. Six years later on August 10, 1946, Ramona married Charles E. Peone, Sr. in Kettle Falls, Washington. Ramona worked as a cook and assistant cook at various places around the Omak-Keller area including for the priests and students at the St. Mary Mission. In 1964 she began the career which would define the next 40-plus years of her life, manning fire watch towers; first at the Johnny George Lookout in the Hell's Gate Canyon Area of Silver Creek for a season with her son Charles Peone Jr. as her relief and then at the 70-foot tall, Keller Butte lookout until an injury in her mid-eighties, forced Ramona's retirement. While she loved those years of solitude during her many years on the lookout, Ramona was always welcoming to forest service and tribal personnel, who always looked forward to going up the tower when she was on duty, for they knew that Ramona would have freshly baked pies or maple bars waiting for them. Ramona was fabulous cook who loved baking wonderful treats for those fortunate enough visit her kitchen, she also loved reading and doing crossword puzzles long distance over the phone with her son in New Mexico. Ramona was known to all for her loving and kindness, but her greatest joy was always her family, "She was a very special mother who loved us, no matter how we were, she always made sure we had what we need with lots of love!! We Will All Miss You Mom"

Preceded in death by her son Lyle S. Peone; daughter Yvonne G. Peone; and husband of 38 years:Charles E. Peone, Sr .; both of her parents; all of her siblings and too many relatives and friends to mention;

Ramona's proud legacy lives on through her children: Charles E. Peone Jr. (CeCe), Maureen Peone-Runkel (Fred Nanamkin Jr.), Susan G. Peone and Ray W. Peone; her wonderful grandchildren and numerous extended family members. At Ramona's request, cremation has taken place with a memorial service to be held at a future date.

Please sign Ramona's on-line guest book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com . Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is honored to be serving her family.