Ramona "Mona" Joan Stratton

Ramona (Mona) Joan Stratton passed away August 2, 2025 in Colorado Springs, CO at the age of 95 at home with her husband Bob and family members. Mona was little, but she was mighty! Those that knew her knew that phrase well. She will be missed by all.

Mona was born on November 5,1929 in Beloit, WI and she grew up in a close knit, hard- working family with her parents, Lyle and Helen Shippy (deceased) and her dear sister Rose Marie (Shippy) Allen (deceased). With her Dad having 12 brothers and sisters and her Mom having 8 siblings, they enjoyed many large and happy family gatherings.

Following high school, Mona was employed locally by Fairbanks Morse as a secretary – she was an extremely fast typist (as she would tell you!). She continued to work part time throughout her life until she retired from The Equitable.

Mona met Bob Stratton on a blind date (she said the night she met him that he was the man she was going to marry!). They were married on March 12,1950 in Beloit. Mona and Bob first moved to Miami, with Bob in the Navy and then to Pt Lyautey, Morocco which was an adventure for them and gave them many good memories.

Mona and Bob, along with son Bob and daughter Rondi, made several moves over the years, enjoying each location, and always making lifelong friends. From Milwaukee, they moved to Kingsport, TN (twice), Sylvania, OH, Charlotte, NC (twice), Wilmington, DE, finally retiring in Colorado Springs in 1996. Mona and Bob loved escaping the cold in the winter and being “snowbirds”, heading to Sun City, AZ to be close to son Bob and family. Mona’s sister Rose and husband Bill, as well as Bob’s brother Frank and wife, Lois, headed south also… they enjoyed being close to family again, after many years living apart. It was like going to “camp” each winter, and they did that for nearly 20 years! A bonus was being close to the grandchildren in Phoenix, as well as grandchildren in Colorado Springs. They enjoyed spending time with them as they grew up and were always interested in their activities.

Mona and Bob’s faith guided them through their lives, and they were always active in the Methodist church wherever they lived. Mona loved music and especially enjoyed singing in the choir in Sylvania and Charlotte. Here in Colorado Springs, she was part of the quilting guild/group where they restored old quilts, and she made many of her own beautiful hand-sewn quilts too. She enjoyed playing Bridge and was a fierce card player – she did not like to lose! Mona was an excellent cook and enjoyed trying new things and accumulating hundreds of recipes. She was a voracious reader, always having a book by her side.

Mona and Bob enjoyed traveling and saw many new places, on cruises and tours during their retirement, traveling both internationally and in the States. Mona loved her husband dearly…they made a great pair for over 75 years together.

Mona is survived by her husband, Bob, son Bob Stratton (Phoenix) and daughter in law, Debbie, grandson Rob Stratton and wife Kristen, granddaughter Kristin Van Helmond and husband Kyle, great grandchildren Zoe and Max, daughter Rondi Stratton (Kane) and husband Dan Kane (Colorado Springs), grandson Austin and Mari, grandson Mack and wife Alyson, and grandson Conor. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister, Rose Allen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mackenzie Place 1605 Elm Creek View, August 9th at 11am.

Memorial contributions may be given to the John Wesley Ranch (part of First Methodist Church of Colorado Springs).