Sulema Ramos

Sulema Riojas Ramos passed from us on February 22, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family. Wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother she devoted her 92 years of life to the happiness of others. Sulema believed that the greatest thing in one’s life could be achieved through education. And she once said that she “wanted to seek a job that gave [her] the opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life.” She embodied her belief by being a college counselor and affectionate mother.

Sulema was born on September 21, 1933, in Pflugerville, Texas. She was a descendant of early Texas settlers as her father’s maternal ancestors were among those at the Alamo, and later generations fought alongside Sam Houston for Texas’ Independence. Her family’s legacy of service continued through her father, a World War I veteran, and her brothers who served during World War II.

Sulema was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings to include her brother, Staff Sgt. Jose Riojas, who was killed in Normandy, France during the D-Day invasion in 1944 as well as her beloved dog, Snookie. She was a tireless advocate for her brother’s memory, playing an instrumental role in ensuring that an elementary school in Pflugerville was named after him that preserved his sacrifice and memory in the heart of a community she loved.

Beloved wife of Angeles Ramos who was her travel partner, chief agitator, and partner in crime of 71 years. They met in grade school when he pulled her pigtails, and not a day went by in their many years of marriage that they did not lovingly pull each other’s chain. Sulema and Angeles married in 1954 after he returned from the Korean War. But, she had one demand: Angeles pursue higher education. They moved to East Dallas in 1971 and together they built a life rooted in faith, laughter, resilience, and unwavering support of each other and their children. Angeles took his vows seriously and devoted his life to being her proudest supporter and steadfast partner sitting by her side during her many months of failing health.

Sulema lived a life filled with love and learning. She graduated as Valedictorian of Pflugerville High School in 1952, a remarkable achievement for a young woman whose first language was Spanish and who started her education in a segregated one room schoolhouse. Learning was her passion and teaching other’s her life’s work. After raising five children, she returned to college, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration, and her MBA. She went on to work in higher education and teaching ESL classes that empowered countless individuals to pursue their dreams. A lifelong servant of her faith, she also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Pius X Catholic Church. In recognition of her accomplishments and service, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Pflugerville ISD in 2016.

Her legacy lives on through her children: Margarita (Josh) Tichelaar; Angeles (Jeanne) Ramos Jr.; Lisa (Arlen) Gellings; Sara Ramos; and Colonel Steve (Nikki) Ramos. She was a proud grandmother to First Lieutenant Brittany (Lieutenant Colonel Ryan) Allen; Chelsea Ramos; Katie (Frank) Gresl; Ana (Marshall) Gregory; Dr. Jackie (Nick) VanDerWal; Emily Ramos (Fiancé Dr. Matt Almonte); Madie Gellings; Jackson Ramos; and John Ramos. She was blessed with great grandchildren Charlotte, Colton, and Sean Allen, and Jensen VanDerWal.

An avid traveler, Sulema journeyed to more than 35 countries that spanned the sidewalk cafés of Paris, the Great Wall of China and the frozen glaciers of Alaska. She possessed a relentless spirit and a determination that seemed to ensure she accomplished whatever she wanted to achieve. Many days were spent in libraries tracing her family’s lineage back to a small Spanish village in the 1500s and preserving her heritage for future generations.

She often said, “Always do the best you can in any endeavor given to you or one you choose. If something is worth doing, it is worth doing the best you can. You never know who is watching you.” Her life was one of purpose, perseverance, and profound love. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be missed.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, February 26, at Grove Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, with family visitation beginning at 4:00 PM and public visitation at 5:00 PM. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 27, at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Interment will take place on Tuesday, March 10, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.