Belvidere, IllinoisRamona Ward, 79, of Belvidere died Saturday afternoon February 18, 2006 in her home after a lengthy illness. Ramona was born December 27, 1926 in Cherry Valley, IL the daughter of John G. and Lylas (Morehead) Wilson. She married Albert A. Ward on August 24, 1952 in Las Cruces, NM. Ramona taught school, all eight grades, at Buck and Shannon Schools. Following the consolidation of the schools she went to work for Logan Ave. Auto Sales and then worked several years at the G.T.E. Telephone Co. until she retired. Ramona was a member of the Open Bible Church. Although Ramona had no children of her own, she was active in helping raise her step-son, Albert Eugene (Gene) Ward, now of Edgewood, NM; step-grandchildren, Scott and Brian Ward and step great-grandson, Michael Ward. Ramona is also survived by her sisters, Norma Jean Wilson of Cherry Valley, Hazel (Ed) Smith of Cherry Valley and Helen Howland of Belvidere; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Ramona is predeceased by her parents, husband, brother, John F. Wilson and brother in-law Harold Howland.

A memorial will be established in Ramona's name in care of the family.