Ramona Belle Mathews was born August 5th, 1928. She was the youngest child and only daughter of Herbert and Ethel Zinn Mathews. Raised in Reeds, Missouri, Ramona spent her childhood along the banks of Spring River on the family farm. In 1946, Ramona married the love of her life, John Arlie Schlichting. Not long after their wedding, John took a job in Leavenworth, Kansas, and the couple moved there. They were blessed with two children, Lora and Steven. Ramona was a dutiful wife, mother, homemaker, and community volunteer. Following John's retirement, they returned to Springfield, Missouri, to enjoy time with family and friends. Ramona was a well-recognized volunteer at the Cox NICU, where she spent countless hours cuddling and loving on precious newborns. Having been raised listening to St. Louis Cardinals games on her Dad's radio, Ramona retained that love for baseball, and was an avid Cardinals fan.

Nana, as she was lovingly known, thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She could be heard cheering in the stands at ball games and loved taking them to see Branson shows and eat at Pizza Cellar. They will always cherish the memories of her homemade "Ziggy" pancakes, complete with eyes, a silver dollar pancake for a nose, and a sweet smile. She also treasured taking her Grandchildren and then Great Granddaughters, to Easter picnics in her hometown.

Ramona lived a full life and even when she lost her husband in 2013, she stayed true to her mantra of, "Keep a song in your heart and a smile on your face". A funny, feisty woman, Ramona kept everyone in line and on their toes. It is that loving and spirited nature that she will forever be remembered for.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, Herbert and Ethel Mathews; brothers, Rezin, Raymond, and Valgene Mathews; sister-in-laws, Lois and Peggy Mathews; and daughter-in-law, Cathy Schlichting.

Ramona leaves behind two children, Lora (Curt) Deckard of Tulsa, OK and Steven Schlichting of Springfield, MO; three Grandchildren: Erica (Brian) Vogle, Casey (Kari) Deckard, and Jon Deckard all of Tulsa, OK; five Great Grandchildren: Lily Vogle (Josh), Sophie Vogle, Kate and Evelyn Deckard and Mila Deckard.

Ramona will be buried alongside her beloved husband, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, in Springfield, MO. A Celebration of Life
will follow at a later date.