Mary "Ramona" Jett

March 6, 1977       Published by the "Upper Room"

(Second Sunday in Lent)

Read Hebrew 12:1 -11

I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.

                                                                                                                                -Phillippians 3:14 (TEV)

While sowing wheat, it was necessary for me to lay off new land. My husband wanted the large field cut in thirds as a precaution against wind erosion. He told me if I aimed the tractor at a certain mark, the field would be divided equally. I started with confidence, but became confused about the mark, one-half mile away. Before reaching the other side of the field, I changed course three times. It was too late for me to start over, and there was no way I could erase the crooked row. This mistake would make the other fields uneven also.

                Our daily living is plain for others to see- whether good, bad, or in-between.

In our Christian living, do we become confused and waver uncertainly before we reach our goal? How much better our witness would be if we did not waver but kept our eyes on Jesus. Straight footsteps are much easier for others to follow!

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Thank You for this day You have given us. We ask for Your guidance in our every thought and deed. May our lives today be to Your honor and glory. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Our daily living is plain for others to see- Whether good, bad, or in-between.

     Mary Ramona Merett Jett was born on November 2, 1928, in Liberal, Kansas, to Fred and Edith (Newby) Merett.  Her big sister Ruth welcomed her to the family. Later they enjoyed the additions of brothers Donald and Robert (Bob) Merett.  Ramona was a Cradle Roll Member of the Quaker Church in Gate and attended throughout her childhood years.  When asked what her denomination was in the last weeks of her life, she claimed the Quaker faith.  She had fond memories of playing with her Newby cousins at Gate.

     Her family moved to Denver, Colorado where she attended elementary school. Fred, Edith, Ruth, Ramona, Don and Bob moved back to Gate during her middle school years.   Ramona graduated high school at Laverne, Oklahoma.  She would stay some with Margaret Stuart while she was attending school and working during the summers.  Ramona enjoyed being a ticket taker at the theater in Laverne, working at the dry cleaners, and being a soda jerk at the Delhotal Drug Store.  During school hours, she and Margaret would walk to the drug store to get a coke.  The only thing the superintendent would say was “Get the school mail on your way back”.   She had great memories and stories to tell about her classmates at Laverne High School. 

     Ramona met and fell in love with Delvin Jett, her only sweetheart, during her freshman year in high school.  She told many stories about their school adventures and senior trip.  She always enjoyed their 1947 class reunions, and helped celebrate their 70^th class reunion last fall.  Many trips and visits were enjoyed with schoolmates H.R. and Mary Lea Hart, and Juanita Henricks. 

     Ramona and Delvin were married at the Laverne UMC on February 1, 1948, after Sunday morning church service.  The small family wedding was held with Ramona and Bill Barth as witnesses of their marriage; as they did for them the year before.  Their honeymoon was centered around sporting events as they both enjoyed watching all sports. Ramona continued to stay actively involved cheering on the Tiger Teams after Delvin’s passing.    

     Ramona and Delvin started their married life on the family farm helping his dad Henderson and brother Calvin.  They rejoiced at the birth of their son, Karl Russel and were devastated at the loss of a baby girl, Sharon, and twin sons, Verl and Earl.  Ramona enjoyed watching Reta Sue, Linda, and Alan grow up and was an active, loving aunt to them.  She had stories to tell about going shopping with Irma and taking all the kids with them.  Aunt Mona continued to enjoy the calls and visits from Reta Sue and Jerry, Linda and Steve, Alan and Alyson, and all their children and grandchildren.

     Ramona had many talents.  She would cut Delvin’s hair and give haircuts and perms to her family and friends as an act of love.  She would plow the fields, run the balers, work cattle, and was always seen by Delvin’s side.  She would help with the garden, can fruits and vegetables, and pick fruit from their fruit trees to freeze and dry.   She made many items of clothing for family and friends.  Charlene especially loved the 1970’s maternity clothes she made her.

      Ramona’s greatest joys were her grandchildren given to her by Karl and Charlene.   Cherinda, Kareece, Janee’, and Ryan were treasured and loved.  Delvin often said that he wished he was her grandchild!  She made Barbie and Ken clothes, stuffed animals, personalized activity books, quilts, many articles of clothing…all handmade with tender loving care. Prom time included trips to the fabric store to pick out patterns and materials for Cherinda, Kareece or Janee’s dresses and Ryan's vests and ties.  Ramona also made Halloween costumes and His Team drama costumes for the "Toymakers Dream" production. The grandkids loved to help pick and pit cherries, pick vegetables from their big garden, go with them to check cattle, help bake cookies, and just spending time with them.  Ramona was the go to person for all 4-H Clothing projects and taught each granddaughter to sew.  With her help, Cherinda, Kareece, and Janee’ would always place or win with their Make it With Wool contest entries.   She also helped with the 4-H Home Environment projects that enabled Cherinda and Kareece have winning record books.   Grandma Mona and Grandpa Delvin attended all of their grandchildren's many school, 4-H, FFA, and church activities. They were proud of their grandkids and were their biggest fans. They always looked forward to them coming back to the farm to visit.

The highlights of Ramona’s life are:

Raising a Godly son

Enjoying Ryan, Rachael and Justin living neaby

Getting to know Tyce, Aidan, Brynna, Kade and Justin

Taking Grandchildren snow skiing

Going on trips with sister Ruth and the Kirkhart family

Going on vacation trips with H.R. and Mary Lea Hart

Teaching Sunday School and MYF

Sunday School and Church activities

Going to Bible Study and her church family

Lay Witness Program that deepened her and Delvin’s faith

Going to Fifth Sunday Sing

Visits from sister, Ruth and her family, brother Donald and his family, and brother Bob and his family

Going rattlesnake hunting with Ryan and making a rattlesnake tie for Karl

Going to Branson with Juanita Henricks and attending the many local and school activities with her

      Ramona and Delvin celebrated 61 years of marriage before his passing at the age of 80.  She was thankful to continue living on the farm with the help of Karl, Charlene, Ryan, Rachael, and Justin.  She was grateful for nephew Alan and wife Alyson who helped watch over her and her property.

    Ramona stayed active and enjoyed her church family, family visits, Women’s Bible Study, school events, Facebook, playing Words with Friends, monthly visits to the Harts in Woodward, and attending events with Juanita.  She had a keen and witty sense of humor and was fun to be around.  She lived in the present and was working on checking items off her bucket list. 

    She appreciated the love and attention given to her by family these last few years and months.  Ramona trusted Rachael’s advice and appreciated her love and care.   She relied on Ryan to take care of things around her house and yard and loved it when he would stop in.  Justin would often keep her company and she would look forward to his visits.  She enjoyed the visits and phone calls from friends and family and loved everyone dearly. 

    Ramona answered the call to Heaven on August 21, 2018.  Those proceeding her in death were her husband Delvin, daughter Sharon, sons Verl and Earl, granddaughter Cherinda, parents Fred and Edith Merett, infant brother Melvin, infant sister Mildred, infant brother Glen, brothers Don Merett & wife Beverly, their children Thena and Theresa,  brother Bob Merett, his son Fred,  sister Ruth Kirkhart, her husband Charles Kirkhart, and their children Robert and Margaret. She leaves son Karl, wife Charlene, grandchildren Kareece and husband Derek McKie, Janee’ and husband Dan Golden, Ryan and wife Rachael, and Channing Wendt.  Great Grandchildren: Tyce & Kade McKie, Aidan & Brynna Golden, and Justin Jett.  Sister in Law Sue Merett, her children James and Diane, her nephew Leroy Kirkhart, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends.