Isabel Ramon

Isabel Ramon, who resided at the Tohono O’odham Elder Assisted Living Residence, in Sawkud Ke:k, on the Tohono O’odham Nation, was born on April 11, 1933, in Ge Oidak. Her father, Chico Geronimo, and her mother, Teresa Guadalupe Stein, were also from Ge Oidak. Isabel grew up with two brothers, Vincent and Mark, and two sisters, Cecelia and Dorothy.

She spent her childhood in Ge Oidak with her mother and also stayed at times with her aunt, Melissa Geronimo, who lived in the same community. Isabel learned from both women as she grew up. At age five, she began attending Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Catholic school in Cowlic Village, traveling there by bus. When her mother left to work in the fields, Isabel transferred to St. John’s Indian Boarding School, where she remained for a few years. She later left school to work in the fields alongside her mother and grandmother.

While working in the fields, Isabel met Venturo Ramon of Florence Village, and the couple married in 1952. Five years later, they moved to Los Angeles, California, where Venturo worked for North American Aviation. During this time, Isabel cared for Debbie, the daughter of her sister-in-law Cecelia Ramon, who was already living in Los Angeles. When Debbie turned five, Isabel began working every other day as a housekeeper for a couple in Hollywood. She also found seasonal work during the holidays, making toys and cosmetics. Venturo later took a two-year leave of absence from his job to serve in the United States Marine Corps. In the years that followed, Isabel and Venturo welcomed their first son, Mickey, in 1963, and their second son, Ricky, in 1967. Altogether, the family lived in California for about 15 years.

In 1970, Isabel, Venturo, and their two sons returned to Arizona and lived for a time in Casa Grande. Isabel devoted herself to caring for her home and children. In 1976, the family’s house was completed, and they settled permanently in North Santa Rosa, in Gu Achi District on the Tohono O’odham Nation. Along with caring for her family, Isabel enjoyed making traditional baskets, helping in her community and being among her many relatives.

Isabel was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her son Ricky in 2000, her husband Venturo in 2003 and grandson Bret James. She passed away at the age of 93 on Blessed Sunday, September 13, 2026. She leaves behind her son, Mickey; her daughter-in-law, Tamela (James) Ramon; and her daughter, Debbie Barraza-Smith. She is also survived by her grandchildren Desirae, Lyle, Larold, and Bria Ramon, as well as Tara Victor and Matthew James; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

As she reflected on her life, she would often say, “I have had many happy and sad moments in life, but I am always thankful for every day.”

Services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Saint Louis Church in San Luis-Gu Achi. Mass will be held at 7:00 p.m.

The burial will follow on Sunday, September 20. 2026 in San Luis Cemetery at 6:00 a.m.