Juan Ramos

Memorial Mass for Juan Ramos, 90, Lawrence will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He passed away Monday, September 16, 2019 at Arbor Court at Alvamar in Lawrence.

Juan was born on August 21, 1929 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, the son of Cruz and Margarita (Jaimes) Ramos.

Juan married the love of his life Maria Micaela Bermudez on July 7, 1958 in Lawrence, Kansas and she survives the home. His greatest concern throughout his long life and marriage was that of his beautiful wife Mickey. Juan was always thinking of Mickey. They loved to go dancing for hours. In recent years, they were often seen holding hands in the backseats of their children’s cars as they were going to family events. Even in his last hours, Juan was most concerned about Mickey’s welfare.

Other Survivors include his children; Yolanda (T.J.) Reyes, Jr., Linda (Louis) Jaimez, Richard (April) Ramos, Jesse (Michele) Ramos, grandchildren; Richard (Amy) Jaimez, LynAngela Jaimez, T. (Jackie) Reyes III, Kylie (Dwane) Rodriquez, Danielle (Joey) Ramos, Kelsie (Barry) Reyes, Abigail (Derek) Christian, Jordan Ramos, Whitney (Brad) Pinegar, Allison Ramos, Anthony Ramos, thirteen great-grandchildren and son-in-law, James (Lyuba) Bland.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Felicia “Lisa” Ramos Bland, grandson Adam Miguel Juan Ramos, all of his siblings, and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Juan helped beautify the University of Kansas campus for 43 years in his capacity as a horticulturist in the Buildings and Grounds Department. He was known by many for his green thumb and his strong work ethic as demonstrated by his many Employee of the Year awards. A favorite memory of Juan’s was when he had lunch under a redbud tree with a very tall man whose knees when he was sitting down were above Juan’s head and with whom he shared a couple of burritos and the man shared some of his ribs with Juan. Many years later, we all had a good laugh when Juan saw a picture of Wilt Chamberlain in the newspaper and said, “That’s the fellow I had lunch with under the redbud tree.” In addition to keeping the campus green and wondrously colorful, Juan and his family maintained the beauty of many private lawns and yards around the campus. After these work outings, Juan would treat the family to hamburgers (6 for a $1) at Dairy King and then they would finish with root beers from A & W.

Juan was very proud of his heritage. As such Juan loved to entertain his family with his musical talents by playing music from his homeland of Mexico. He and his brothers loved singing and playing various musical instruments, often switching instruments amongst each other. Juan also fortified his family with his love of vegetable gardening and cooking, including his renowned homemade salsa and menudo; slicing and dicing was one of his favorite pastimes. The kids and grandkids would drop everything to go eat Grandpa Juan’s cooking masterpieces.

There were many phrases Juan was known to repeat such as “It’s good but we want better,” “Better out than in,” “It’ll do in a pinch,” “Where’s the beef?” “Want a booger (burger)?” “I don’t know who said these are the Golden Years” and “Viva La Raza!” He could certainly make you laugh until your stomach hurt! A favorite pastime of Juan’s was watching WWF (World Wrestling Federation) on TV. He was so excited when Lisa brought him a dollar bill signed by Rick Flair. Juan always enjoyed watching his KU Jayhawks, especially the men’s Basketball team with Mickey and their grandkids.

Through the many troubles he endured through his life, like the loss of his beloved daughter Lisa, the death of his grandson Adam, and many physical ailments since his retirement, he grew to know and love his Lord. Whenever he said good-bye to a family member, he would remind them that “God goes with you.” He loved his family dearly and was loved as much in return. His family knows that he is at home in Heaven with his Lord, and his many family members and friends that have passed before him.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. with Visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Alzheimer’s Association and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

 

19 Condolences

  1. Vicki Goff-Miller on September 17, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    Ramos Family,
    What a wonderful man and a wonderful legacy to fallow. He will be missed by many. Your in our hearts and prayers.
    Love always Vicki & John Miller
    John Jr & April



  2. Maria Pence Butler on September 17, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    Mickey and family,
    You are all in my thoughts at this difficult time, May your many happy memories of Juan provide you consolation. He was a great man.
    Maria



  3. George & Cheryl Hunsinger on September 17, 2019 at 8:36 pm

    Was sorry to hear this. What a wonderful man. Used to enjoy visiting with him back in the day at the S.J.H.S. basketball games, when Abby and Lacey played. You folks are in our thoughts and prayers. hugs to all.



  4. Steve and Carla Ramirez on September 18, 2019 at 7:38 am

    We will remember Juan as a gentle man, very proud of his family and a great role model for all. He will be missed. Sympathies to Micki and the entire family.



  5. Mary McClelland on September 18, 2019 at 10:43 am

    Yolanda and TJ
    I am so sorry for your loss sending prayers.



  6. Carrie Coffey on September 18, 2019 at 10:59 am

    Ramos Family, so sorry to read this. I knew he knew me by my face but I don’t think he ever knew my name but he always had a sweet smile making me think “I seen her somewhere before”? Growing up in Lawrence gave me the privilege of knowing almost his entire family and they are all the sweetest people and so helpful, reading this article tells me they all got this from him. May the good Lord be with everyone at this time, prayers for you during your mourning time and may all of his beautiful memories keep you smiling when your heart is heavy. God Bless



  7. MIKE AND ROSEMARY on September 18, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    To the Ramos Family, may he rest in peace…Mike Hadl…



  8. Tom /Vicki Ramirez Jr on September 18, 2019 at 9:08 pm

    So sorry for your lost. Prayers for Ramos family He was a great man I remember all his work at KU .



  9. Laura Sellers on September 19, 2019 at 8:56 am

    Ramos Family, I remember the great times we had with Juan, Mickey and kids at our house on Rhode Island St. Dancing and laughing Juan and Mickey were the life of the party. May Juan continue to dance with Lisa and Adam in heaven RIP Juan. My thoughts and prayers to the Ramos family ❤️????❤️????



  10. Ashley Woodward on September 19, 2019 at 10:42 am

    So sorry for your loss! He was a very sweet man and I know how much your whole family loved him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers! <3



  11. Claudia Mathias on September 19, 2019 at 11:32 am

    Dear Ramos family,

    Please accept my sincere condolences at this painful moment. Mr. Ramos will be missed by each one of you, but he will forever live in your heart and memory.
    May God comfort you and have him resting by his side!



  12. Leo and Glenda Souders on September 19, 2019 at 8:27 pm

    Mom, Yolanda, Linda, Richard and Jesse,

    All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Dad was an amazing man, a terrific husband to mom, a fantastic father to five wonderful children and an awesome grandfather to a great bunch of grandchildren and great grandchildren. God broke the mold on Dad as he felt his work was done. A man who had a zeal for life, family and friends, as well as a heart of gold.

    Thanks for the many memories you gave to us Dad. I believe you left a legacy behind that you will be proud of when all the grandchildren carry on your zeal of life.

    May God grant each of peace and comfort you during the coming days, weeks and months. God Bless you all.’



  13. James Sanders MD on September 20, 2019 at 6:08 am

    I worked on the Buildings and Grounds crew as a student from 1974 to 1976. 45 years later I can still recall what an honor and pleasure it was to work with Juan. I was always pleased on the days I was assigned to work with him. Despite his senior position he always treated the part time student employees with respect and took the time to teach us as we worked. I learned a lot from Juan about horticulture, and about dignity.
    James Sanders, MD



  14. Gene Bucia on September 20, 2019 at 6:44 am

    Ramos family, Mr. Ramos was a very kind and loving man. He always had that great smile and a wonderful sense of humor. He will be deeply missed. Sending all of you love and prayers. ❤????



  15. Malcolm Sims on September 20, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    Ramos family,

    So sorry for your loss. Juan was an amazing man. Reading the above obituary brought back some great memories of Juan I had the pleasure of being apart of. Him going out to Yolanda’s to garden, making Salsa in his kitchen, teasing Chula at every chance and his quote that forced a smile every time “I don’t know who said these are the Golden Years”. Juan has left us physically, but his spirit and wisdom will guide us for generations. The Sims family will keep your family in our prayers.



  16. Robyn Blann on September 21, 2019 at 5:44 pm

    Ramos family I’m so sorry for your loss.
    I have a lot of good memories hanging out with Lisa at the house. Juan always greeted me with a smile on his face. I remember he was always busy doing something in the yard or working in the house. I admired him very much.
    I send my love and prayers to all of you.



  17. Susan Harrison, CSL on September 21, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    Richard and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was such a good man. May all your wonderful memories bring you peace in this sad and difficult time. RIP Mr Ramos (God goes with you!)



  18. Darla Frost on September 29, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    Ramos Family, I am so sorry for your lose, what a wonderful man. Prayers for the whole family.

    Darla Frost



  19. Girty Family on January 30, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    Ramos Family, we are sorry for the loss of Juan. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you in the coming days. Everyday will be a struggle, but find comfort in knowing he is with the Lord rejoicing in heaven. God Bless the Ramos Family.



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