In Memoriam: Ethel Charleen Montgomery Ramos

Ethel Charleen Montgomery (Montie or Nonnie) Ramos, age 88 of Vadnais Heights MN, passed away peacefully on Jan 2, 2024 following a period of decline where her poor heart simply couldn’t keep up anymore.

Ethel Charleen Montgomery Ramos

Montie was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Ramos, and her parents, Mabel Lousie Morgan and Ruben William Montgomery. She is survived by her three children, Jamie Liaboe (married to Gary), Marina Rideau (married to Earl), and Kenneth Ramos (married to Paula McCaslin); seven grandchildren, Beau, Crystal, Philip, Sandra, Michelle, Enrique, and Aria (Salvador); and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Montie had a strong Presbyterian faith and was an active Reformed Church member for many, many years. She was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, proud grandmother, and jubilant great-grandmother. Montie leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. The family expresses its special thanks to the staff at Gable Pines for their guidance and Montie’s excellent care.

Montie was born on Sept. 15, 1935. She was an only child and would frequently refer to herself as “a lonely only.” She graduated from Phoenix Union High School where she was quite the stunning beauty and was part of the Prom Court her senior year.

She joined the Army after high school and was PCS’d in Los Angeles where her beauty had her doing Army publicity photos hobnobbing with Hollywood celebrities, among other duties.

It was there in Los Angeles that Montie met Henry Ramos, who was also in the Army. They had a wonderful and loving courtship and were married in 1956. After Henry completed his electrical engineering studies, they settled into Buena Park CA where they lived for 30 years and raised their three children. Montie was heavily involved in their church and enjoyed a full life there.

Shortly before Henry retired, they moved to Canyon Lake CA where they lived for 20 years. They again invested in the church they found and enjoyed a rich fellowship. Henry’s Lewy body dementia progressed to a point where they had to leave Canyon Lake. Henry passed away in 2015.

Montie came to live in Minnesota with her daughter Jamie’s family. She moved to Gable Pines in 2018 because she wanted to have friends to “have lunch with.” She lived there until she left us.

Montie passed away on Jan. 2, 2024 at 11:00 p.m. to join her Lord and Savior Jesus in paradise. While the passing is sad for all of us, we know that she is rejoicing in heaven. She is now enjoying the Sabbath rest promised to us in the biblical book of Hebrews.

Montie’s passing was joined by Jamie, Ken, Gary, Phil, Aria, Crystal and her family. We spent her last several days reading to her The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe plus Watership Down. We will miss her.

From Montie to all of us: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Eph 3:20-21).