Ramona DeLeon Garcia, 85, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by family on July 25, 2023. Married in 1958, she was the beloved wife of the late Alfred Johnson Garcia. Ramona was born in Alamogordo, NM, and was the daughter of the late Pablo and Evangelista (Duran) DeLeon.
Ramona graduated from Alamogordo Senior High School in 1956. While in school, she was active as a cheerleader, a member of the National Honor Society and student council, a homecoming court and prom princess and was a Girl’s State Representative. After graduating, her love for music and playing the piano led to her selection as the 1958 American GI Forum Queen in Alamogordo. During her high school years, she captured the eye of Alfred, her high school sweetheart, and shortly after her graduation, they married and began to raise a family. Ramona claimed that she inherited her musical talent and her love of working with kids from her mother, Evangelista. Her love of children and dedication to education encouraged her to pursue a position as a teacher’s aide in the school district. Meanwhile, she remained a devoted member of the choir at Immaculate Conception and later at St. Jude Church. She could always be counted on to provide support and encouragement: as an assistant softball coach, a fundraiser, a chauffeur to her children’ activities and athletic events, a seamstress, and an administrative assistant for piano and dance recitals. Strong willed, she passionately advocated and inspired her children to pursue an education and most importantly, to love and serve the Lord.
Ramona loved to socialize and entertain with family and friends. It was common for her to play her piano as other family members joined in to sing. She and Alfred often traveled long distances to attend family celebrations: births, weddings, graduations, and holidays. She was loved and cherished as a wonderful daughter, a loyal sister, a loving wife and mother, grandmother, aunt, and faithful friend to all who knew her.
She is survived by her five children: Roseanna, Gregory, Celeste, Benjamin, and Anna, her brothers, Louis DeLeon (the late Patricia Vigil), and Abraham DeLeon (Margie), and her sister Mercedes D. Melendrez (Joe). She leaves 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
On September 9, 2023, a Rosary at 10:15 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m., is scheduled for Ramona and Alfred at St. Jude Parish, Alamogordo, NM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Angel Syndrome Foundation at Angelman.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Garcia family.
