Santiago de Jesus Ramirez

Santiago De Jesus Ramirez, beloved husband, loving father, vivacious grandfather, dependable brother, delightful uncle, and precious friend, was born in Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, on January 15, 1943. He was the 12th born of 13 children to Antonio Ramirez Rendón and Pastora Noreña Rendón. The family resided near La Mosca in Rionegro and eventually made their way to the big city of Medellin when Santiago reached his teenage years. At around the age of 18, Santiago worked at his sister’s corner store, where he met a young Omaira, a beautiful customer who frequented the business with her mother. Intrigued by her beauty and grace, Santiago pursued Omaira to no end, eventually wearing her down and enjoying a five-year courtship. Filled with hope and wanderlust, Santiago moved to the United States to pursue the American dream and prepare a foundation for his future. With a love that surpassed distance, Santiago asked for Omaira’s hand in marriage through correspondence, and the two joined their lives forever on December 24, 1966, in Medellin, Colombia.

Excited to start their new chapter as husband and wife, Santiago and Omaira moved to the United States to start their family. They eventually made their way south to Houston, Texas, and shared 57 wonderful years, four beautiful children, and eight lovely grandchildren together.

Throughout his life, Santiago’s unique ability to charm every person he met was uncanny. With his signature hat, quick wit, and a smile that radiated across the room, Santiago became the life of every party he attended. It was this very charm that garnered Santiago a rare visa to the United States in the 1960s. This made Santiago a grateful man, and in return, he treated everyone like family and helped those in need, especially those seeking new opportunities in this country. Santiago fulfilled his American dream and for over thirty years, was a proud business owner in Pasadena, Texas. He was also an active member of St. Philip of Jesus Catholic Church and was cherished by his friends at the “Las Guadalupanas” group and attended weekly mass with Omaira for over four decades.

Our Papi was a man full of charisma with a patient love that knew no bounds. He was fun, he welcomed everyone and his joy for life was infectious. We are so grateful God allowed us to share this life with him. Despite the pain of losing him, we rejoice that he is resting with our Heavenly Father.

Santiago is survived by his wife Omaira Ramirez; his brother, David Ramirez and his family; his children, Edgar and his wife Zenaida Ramirez, Alden and his wife Rachel Ramirez, Claudia and her husband Gabriel Delgado, and Marissa Ramirez; eight grandchildren, Tatyana, Katya, Angelyka, Benjamin, Santiago, Katerina, Yaneth, and Talyana; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and loyal friends in the United States and throughout the world. We wish to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who showed kindness to our dad during his last weeks of life. On behalf of Omaira and the entire Ramirez family, we thank you for celebrating Santiago’s life. May God bless you and yours for supporting us at this time.

Please join us as we say goodbye to Santiago. To honor his wishes, we ask that you refrain from wearing black and instead wear your favorite spring colors to all of the celebrations.

A visitation for Santiago will be held Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Philip of Jesus Catholic Church, 9700 Villita St, Houston, TX 77013.