Benjamin Ramirez

Benjamin (Ben) was born on March 29, 1945, to Angela and Bartolome Ramirez at North Chicago Hospital and raised in Gary, Indiana. He attended Edison High School, a K-12 school, and was able to make many long-term friends. Following graduation from high school, he enrolled at Ball State University, receiving his BS and MS degrees in business and journalism. He was then hired by the School City of Gary, IN, as a teacher.

Following graduation, he taught at Tolleston and Roosevelt High Schools in Gary, IN. He then relocated to Southern California, after his father's passing, to be with his mother. Prior to coming, he was hired by the Pasadena Unified School District via a telephone interview. His assignment was Blair High School, where he was extensively involved as a business teacher, class advisor, cheerleader advisor and yearbook advisor.

In the Fall of 1978, he left Blair to accept a position as Dean of Students at Marshall Secondary School. After a year, he was selected as an assistant principal in charge of curriculum at the school. He remained there until the spring of 1986 when he accepted an invitation to become the principal of of South Pasadena High School. Ten years later, he assumed a position at Pasadena High School. First as an assistant principal in charge of curriculum, and then as principal. At the completion of his fifth year as principal, he went to the District Office as Director of Government Programs.

After retirement, he returned as an assistant principal at John Muir High School to provide assistance. One and a half years later, it was time to make retirement permanent. Ben then devoted his full-time volunteer work to being the manager of the bookstore/gift shop at First Church of the Nazarene that had been started and run by his beloved wife, Bonnie, who was no longer able to continue due to health reasons. In addition, Ben served on several boards including the following: American Red Cross, Evangelize China Fellowship, Pasadena First Baptist Church, and Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene Sunrise Preschool. He was also involved for a number of years on many WASC accreditation teams, often serving as chair.

Ben is predeceased in death by his wife, Bonita (2016). Ben was the proud father of two sons, Adam and Jonathon. Ben died in hospice care surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

His funeral service will take place at the Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91007, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow. The burial will be at Live Oak Cemetery at 1:30 p.m..for the family and close friends. The cemetery is located at 200 E. Duarte Rd., Monrovia, CA. 91016.