Ramona Neri

Our beloved mother Ramona Neri (nee Cornejo) was born January 24, 1935 in Bakersfield, California. She was one of fourteen children. She passed peacefully in the presence of family in her daughter's home on October 16, 2021, the early morning of her first grandson's wedding. She graduated from Our Lady of Guadalupe and Garces Memorial. She married our dad April 21, 1956. Like most women of her time mom's role was to care for her growing family. As a homemaker mom did everything for us including making us dresses for special occasions as well as for our barbie dolls. Mom wanted her daughters to be independent and self-sufficient. Our dad was supportive of this as well which helped shape us into the women that our mother envisioned.

Mom eventually entered the workforce and helped run our family restaurant known as Pablos for over 16 years. Mom loved being a grandmother and often spoke about the love a grandmother has for her grandchildren.

Mom is survived by her daughters, Carol (Kenny) Sparks, Susan (Bill) Wiedenhofer, Cynthia (Raul) Ruiz and Lisa Neri (Lamont}. Five grandchildren Lauren and Ester Sparks, Danielle (Nick) Bye, Alexander (Jessica) Marquez and Paul Ruiz. Great grandchildren Seth Sparks Ramirez, Genesis Matthews and Alijah Sterling. She is also survived by sisters Anita, Lulu, Cindy and Annette and brother's Frank, Richard, Sammy, Joey and Ruben as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom is pre-deceased by our dad Paul and great grandson Malachi Sparks, her parents Antonio and Elvira, brothers Tony, Jesse, Ernie and sister Delores.

We would like to thank our mom's caregiver Nancy Lopez Monzon who was an absolute answer to prayer, Dr. Sinaie the best podiatrist in town and her sister Lulu who was a source of support for not only our mom but for us girls.

Recitation of the rosary will be held at Doughty-Calhoun-O’Meara, 1100 Truxtun Avenue at 6 p.m. on Wednesday October 27th. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday October 28th at St. Francis Church, 900 H Street and interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Mama you will be missed. We were honored to care for you as you transitioned from your temporary home on earth to your eternal home in heaven. We love you and look forward to the day you and dad welcome us home.