Ramona Russe Leist of Cincinnati, OH passed away December 29, 2021, at the age of 92. Daughter of the late Harry and Amelia Russe. Beloved wife for 68 years of Nelson (Dick) Leist. Sister to Rita Degaro and Sister-in-law to Ann Bushweit. Loving Mother of Jeff (Susan), Scott (Pam) and Greg (Lee) Leist. Grandmother to Jeni (Eric) Wengryniuk, Kristin (Anton) Kusy, Eric (Gretchen Rutz), Kevin, Katie (Andrew O'Bryan) and Josh (Kenzy Blanton). Great Grandmother to Logan, Bennett, and Olivia. Cousin to Bruce Miller. Cherished by nieces, nephews, and their families.
Ramona grew up in two places that she dearly loved. She lived in Norwood, OH and graduated with honors from Norwood HS in 1947. She was active in many school organizations and participated in sports. Her Dad spent his primary career at the General Motors plant in Norwood, and then in retirement was the Norwood School Patrol Crossing Guard. Ramona maintained friendships with Norwood classmates throughout her life. Her family life also included summers at her grandfather's farm in Batesville, Indiana. At that time, it was a full working farm, and it is still crop farmed today. The farm is still owned by the family, and they continue to enjoy the tradition of outings in a beautiful place. Her favorite stories to tell about the farm involved all the dogs she loved.
As a Girl Scout in 1943, during World War II, Ramona became pen pals with a young girl in Kent, England. A deep friendship developed with Eileen Greg-Gilby over the years that included letters, Christmas exchanges and the occasional visit for 78 years.
Ramona attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with honors with a teaching degree in Home Economics. She was active in Chi Omega, maintaining life-long friendships with her Chi Omega sisters, and helped many young women join the Sorority including her granddaughter Katie (OSU). It was at a Fraternity-Sorority Sunday Tea Party where she met Dick, and they were married in 1953. Like their father, all three sons would go on to obtain Engineering degrees from UC.
Ramona loved being a teacher and always looked forward to the first day of school. After doing her student teaching at Terrace Park, her career took her to Colerain, Norwood, and Finneytown. She loved to sew and to teach sewing. She made many of her own clothes over the years, including her wedding gown. She always said the boys in her classes were good because they were allowed to eat everything they cooked. She was a class advisor at Finneytown for many years. Ramona also taught Sunday School at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Norwood. She participated in Bible studies into her 90's and always preferred to read from the Kings James Bible her parents gave her when she was young.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 6th at 4 pm to the time of memorial service at 5 pm at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 3621 Socialville-Fosters Road, Mason, OH 45040. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to King of Kings Lutheran Church or to the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.tuftsschildmeyer.com
