Ramona Sutton

Ramona June Sutton, born Ramona June Rhodes, was born Jan. 13, 1937 in Grissom, Missouri which was once a part of Bollinger County.  Ramona died peacefully in her home while holding her daughter’s hand on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. 

Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mae Rhodes; the love of her life, her husband, Robert L. Sutton; her brother, Frank Rhodes; her brother-in-law, Larry White; her niece, Gina White; and her dearly loved grandson, Sean Stafford.

Ramona is survived by her three children, Robert L. Sutton, Jr., Laura Stafford (Gene Frye), and Janna Dooley (Jim), as well as her grandchildren, Jason Stafford, Jeffrey Stafford (Molin Yu), Heather Frye, Tabatha Stafford, Austin Sutton, Ryan Murray (Hilary), Haleigh Murphy (Jonathan), Nathan Murray, and Emma Sutton; a great-granddaughter, Maeve Murphy; and her sister, Charlotte White; her nephew .Todd White (Kelly); and their children. 

Ramona graduated salutatorian of the Poplar Bluff High School class of 1955.  She worked briefly at the Daily American Republic until making the most influential decision of her life to start working at Vinyard & Sutton Real Estate as a secretary.  After returning late from lunch and errands one day, Mr. Sutton called her into his office and to her surprise, proposed. She responded, “Maybe we should date first?”.  They were married less than a year later on Aug. 11, 1956.  Together with God, they built a family, a full life and a thriving business over the course of their 50 years of marriage. They truly complimented each other in every way and showed and told each other that they loved each other every day. She was, and forever will be, the glue that held all of their life achievements together.  

Ramona gave her life to her family.  She provided and cared for her children and grandchildren even after needing care herself.  She valued having a close family and created many family traditions that will live on after her.  She enjoyed simply being with her loved ones.  She could sit silently in a room full of her family and be content just to listen to the conversation. She showed her love with her actions and service, even more than her words. Her family never had to wonder if they were loved by her.

Ramona was a hardworking individual in every role in life, particularly in her role at Bob Sutton Real Estate where she devoted 61 years. She took pride in her work, was detail oriented and approached her customers with respect and kindness. She approached everything with a realistic mindset which made dreams practical and possible. She created a family with those she worked with and was a mentor to several women.

Not only was Ramona a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and full-time business partner, but she was a devoted Christian as well. She prayed and read the Bible daily, and was a member at First Christian Church in Poplar Bluff for 67 years. She was involved in youth ministries and her home was always full of teenagers. 

Ramona was selfless, clever, extremely intelligent, and genuinely humble. She radiated warmth and competence.  She was not one to make a scene or make her presence known, but when she spoke, you listened.  Ramona enjoyed reading and challenging her mind with puzzles and games.  She believed intelligence was a gift from God and that a mind shouldn’t be wasted (and often reminded her grandchildren of that). Ramona found joy from the simple things in life. She had a sweet tooth and believed an ice cream cone could make any day better.

Her faith and character never waivered. Even when Ramona dealt with chronic pain that was often debilitating, she maintained a positive spirit and gave thanks to God. She continued to put others first, never wanting to be a burden in any way. Everyone who knew her or cared for her described her as one of the kindest and sweetest women they had ever met.

Ramona’s life made an impact on everyone who knew her. She brought out the best in people and sought to bring joy into their lives. She will be truly missed on this earth, but we believe she is now free of pain, fully restored, with Robert L., and with Jesus.   

Visitation is Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, from 10-noon with services immediately following at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. The burial will be at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Animal Welfare Alliance or ASPCA.

Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Ramona Sutton.