Ramona Brockmeyer

MURPHSYBORO – Sarah Ramona Brockmeyer (Dean), 90, went to her heavenly home on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Saint Louis University Hospital.

Ramona was born on July 14, 1935, to Ernest Dean and Ollie Bell Dean (Heard) in Percy, Illinois. She married Leonard Brockmeyer on June 6, 1953, in Steeleville, Illinois.

Ramona is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Leonard in 2021, her parents and granddaughter Brittany Sparks. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Perry of Murphysboro, IL, sons, Steven (Paula) Brockmeyer of Edwardsville, IL, and Michael (Beverly) Brockmeyer of Apple Valley, MN; grandchildren, Makenzie (Michael) Sledd, of Weldon Spring, MO, Larissa Brockmeyer of Portland, OR, Katherine Brockmeyer of Rochester, MN, Allyson Holst (Jacob) of Plymouth, MN, Tyler Sparks (Nicki) of Wright City, MO, Sable (Bryce) Sward of Middleburg, FL, Samantha (Daniel) Wuest of Murphysboro, IL, Kari (James) Lucast of Farmington, MN, Katie (Brandon) Dunnell of Farmington, MN, Jamie (Vince) Gonzalez of Corpus Christi, TX, and Tyler (Nora) Darr of Naples, Italy; great grandchildren Aiden Peterson, Finn Peterson, Elliette Sledd, Everleigh Sledd, Trevor Sparks, Elle Wiss, Kaeleigh Sward, Kamden Sward, Graham Wuest, Linley Wuest, Lorelei Wuest, Madison Sparks, Jersey Hanson, Addy Lucast, Jax Lucast, Elly Dunnell, Kylee Dunnell, Cloey Dunnell, Aubree Dunnell, Brycen Dunnell, Mary Darr, Margaret Darr, Leo Darr, Gabriel Gonzalez, Asher Gonzalez, Silas Gonzalez, and Baby Darr (due 27 August 2025).

Educator, caregiver, and matriarch to the family, Ramona Brockmeyer’s love of children, passion for education, and her thoughtfulness will not come to an end with her passing.

As a mother of three, Ramona completed her bachelor's degree at SIUE. She served as a teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Edwardsville, IL for over 25 years. She founded Trinity’s preschool program in the early 70’s and went on to teach Kindergarten and 1st Grade.

Prior to retiring, she spent her time raising her three children, dancing with her husband, visiting friends, attending craft shows, watching NASCAR races, and enjoying a good book.

Upon retiring from teaching, Ramona traveled the country with her husband in their beloved motorhome. Always the teacher, she served as a substitute teacher in Texas along the way.

Even with her busy life, nothing was more important than her family. Even though living full time in their motorhome, she was a frequent flyer, flying into St. Louis and Minneapolis to spend time with family. A treasured tradition was taking all of her grandkids on summer vacations together. She always dreamed that family would remain close upon her passing. She had a love of lighthouses, with one of her favorite places being St. Augustine, FL where she loved taking early morning beach walks and finding seashells.

You can find her passions being passed down to each child, grandchild, and yes, even her great-grandchildren. She has inspired many people with her loving, caring personality. She was always there when anyone called for help. Serving others was more than her calling, it was her passion.

In recent years, she loved to watch and play with her great-grandchildren. She loved them dearly as they always brightened her day.

For everyone that knew and loved Ramona, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, September 12, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carbondale.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This will continue to share her love of reading and educating young children. (https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/)

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Ramona, please visit www.meredithfh.com