Oma Jean Ladage

Oma Jean Ladage joined her predecessors in the everlasting on July 5th at the age of ninety nine years, eleven months and five days. At her death Oma was surrounded by her sons and those who daily cared for her, loved her, and shared in her laughter. It was serene and dignified. The right way. Now we can only hope that the immortal world be prepared for her, because Oma Jean is going to shake things up.

Oma unleashed will be a sight to behold, and the heavens better be ready to sing and jig at a level reserved for thunder. While with us on earth she was a corker, a hoot, and a curiosity. Lord only knows what she meant by half of what she said, so for that reason alone she’s heading to the right household. And the great one better be prepared to engage, because Oma will have something to say, and handing HIM a nickname may be her opening line. We hope that she joins with her husband Clarence and walk a pasture clean of thistles, and remember a cow named Rose and a cat named String. We want to believe that her brothers deal her a fair hand of cards, and her mother takes her fishing. If a special place in heaven exists for Oma, then let it have ample closet space for her costumes and beaded jewelry and the trinkets associated with every holiday and festival of every nation, including some of her own. And, of course, there needs to be adequate drawers to accommodate the thousand newspaper clippings she was keen to collect; perhaps a reference to a place once visited, or the picture of a Latin baseball player that had the letter O and J in his name. She was that kinda gal.

Oma, Oma Jean, Jean, and OJ. Different names to different people but one spirit to all. When called she served; as a volunteer, a friend, daughter, sister, wife, and a mother to two sons she inherited through tragedy. She wasn’t led along an easy path, yet remained steadfast in devotion to her lord and the tenets of fairness and kindness, which made it easy for us. Most significantly, she never changed, was never anyone but herself. Indeed, as she rose to her hundredth year, she became an even fuller version of what lay inside. Many are said to be beyond description, but our mother was so unique, so uncommonly complicated, yet childlike in her innocence, that a smile forms as the words fail when asked to fully describe her. Not that words are necessary, not for those she encountered in her long life. For us, the name Oma Jean says all. And forever will.

A memorial service celebrating Oma Jean will be held on her One Hundredth Birthday. August 10th at 10:00 Foxwood Springs retirement and health care center. 1500 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, MO. 64083.

Oma is survived by her sons, Duane and Terry, her sister, Martha, and grandchildren John-Michael, Caroline, and Eric.

Questions, conversations, and story telling may be directed to Duane LaDage: [email protected].