Ramona
By JESSICA GILBERT
Ramona correspondent
(785) 965-2621
Norma Weber celebrated her birthday Saturday when her family gathered at her home in Ramona. I knew better than to ask Norma how old she was because when I asked about her celebration she laughed and said, "At this age I shouldn't even be talking about it!"
Norma's daughter Barbara, came from Russell but first made a stop in Abilene at Brookville Hotel to pick up a family-size chicken dinner for all. "We had a really good time," said Norma. "It was Barb, me, Jim, and Jeannie."
But the celebrating didn't stop there. Norma's good friend, Frances Hanschu picked her up Monday and the two celebrated at the Ramona Café by having lunch together.
Fred Utech's birthday was honored at last week's senior center luncheon. The group always lets the birthday people go through lunch line first and Fred was the honoree. Fred's birthday is actually this Friday. When I asked how he planned to celebrate he replied, "If the weather's decent my family is coming to our home to celebrate and they're cleaning up all the limbs that fell during the recent storm," said Fred. Like all tidy farmers, Fred doesn't like seeing all those fallen limbs. "They keep telling me not to do it," said Fred, who's counting the days till Friday.
Two of Ramona's youngest citizens had birthdays this week — Josh Mercer and Dallen Thompson. Josh Mercer had a party with his friends Monday at the Rosebank Church where his family attends. I commented to his mother, Shelia, how much I remembered the couple of birthday parties I had as a youngster.
"I didn't have parties either," said Shelia, "so that's why we try to do something special for each of the kids when their birthday rolls around." Josh had about a dozen friends and relatives join him in celebrating his sixth birthday. They had fun with a piñata, ate triple chocolate Dove Bars, and released some helium balloons into the sky in celebration of Josh. "They really loved watching those balloons take flight," said Josh's mom.
The Mercers are about to have two more additions to their family since Shelia is expecting twins in May. "I went to the doctor yesterday and he said the twins have dropped and turned so the doctor said I should not be doing anything but resting in hopes the twins will stay put for another seven weeks." The babies are due May 16, but the Mercers are expecting an earlier arrival given the doctor's news this week.
Dallen Thompson turned 11 Tuesday. I don't have the particulars on that party because at the time I'm writing my column it hasn't happened yet. I do know the family will be licking their lips with a chocolate cake/ice cream birthday cake from Dairy Queen that has Dallen and Terren's name on it. Terren celebrated his birthday last month and this cake is in celebration of both boys' special day.
Ramona's oldest citizen is celebrating his birthday Thursday of next week. Tony Meyer will be 93. If you know Tony, or even if you don't, and want to congratulate him on living 93 productive and independent years, send him a card at Box 25, Ramona 67475.
As for what Tony will be doing on his birthday — well, you'll just have to wait for the March 9 news to get a full report!
The house just east of us has been dark since Erich Utech died in November. But last night the lights were on and cars were even parked around the house. It was great to see life in the little house once more. Delores Utech and her brother, Junior and his wife Liz were staying at the house.
"We're all here but Bill, who's sick, and Grace, who's in Georgia," said Delores (Utech) Siggs. "The auctioneer asked us to go out to Erich's farm and categorize everything there so he can create the sale bill." The auction of Erich's farm and its contents will be held April 9 at the farm west of Ramona.
The Bradys, one of Ramona's newer couples to move here, have been in Texas for several weeks with Bob's 38-year-old son who was fighting cancer. Last week they returned home after Bob's son died. We send love and sympathy to Bob and Rita as they grieve this great loss in their family.
The Bradys are a tremendous blessing to Ramona. They are involved in keeping Ramona Senior Center vital and alive, and Bob recently threw his hat in the ring to run for a position on Ramona's City Council.
Whenever we hear an ambulance in town, everybody takes notice because there aren't that many streets in Ramona and you can bet you know the person the ambulance is transporting. Such was the case recently when the ambulance stopped in front of the Ohm residence. Harold had a stroke and eventually landed in a Salina hospital where he's still recovering.
I've tried several times to reach Betty but she's spending most of her time near Harold, so I don't really have the most current news. I realized how Betty has been the hub of news around Ramona whether she presided at Betty's Café or her current post as relief postmaster for Ramona. When Betty's gone, I have a hard time getting accurate news!
The important thing to know is that the Ohms can use love and encouragement so send your cards to Harold Ohm, Salina Regional Hospital, 400 S. Santa Fe, Salina KS 67401.
Trevia Schneider is in the hospital, too. According to her friend, Frances Buxman, Trevia was having difficulty breathing and retaining too much fluid so she's in the hospital for a few days. Cards for Trevia can be sent to Herington Hospital, 100 E. Helen, Herington 67449.
This Sunday evening the Trinity Lutheran Church is holding their annual pancake feed at the parish hall in Ramona from 5 to 7 p.m. Free will offering is appreciated. The food always is great and the company always is pleasurable.
And that's the news from Ramona where a traffic jam is two parked cars and a dog in the road.
