Ramona Irene Emerson

She was born on July 31, 1934 to Esom Gabriel and Ruth Shankland Cotton in Richhill, MO. Esom died soon after Ramona's birth and Ruth never remarried. In 1948 Ruth Moved Ramona and her older brother, Vernon Dale Cotton from Missouri to San Luis Obispo, California. Ramona graduated from high school in 1950.

Ramona met her husband Allan Emerson at Grace Tabernacle Church in San Luis Obispo. They were married there on November 22, 1952. Their marriage lasted 62 1/2 years.

To their union were born four children: David, Dianna, Debby and Donna. To their four children were born five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

From childhood Ramona believed in Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She spent her life growing in grace and in the knowledge of the LORD. She was blessed with many talents, one of which was the gift of music. She played the piano and had a beautiful voice. She gave that talent back to the Lord in service and worship. She shared the gift of music with her children, instilling in them the same love of music and desire to serve through song.

The name Ramona means: Protecting hands and wise protector. Irene means: Peace or peace maker. How appropriately named she was, being a very wise woman of peace. She was loving, kind, gentle, patient, generous, compassionate and full of grace. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved Jesus and taught her her children about salvation and grace. She was a prayer warrior. Ramona will always be remembered for her love of God and family and her beautiful music. She fought the good fight; she kept the faith to the end.

Proverbs 31: 28,29

Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all."