Ramona Willits
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Ramona Willits of Lawrence KS, 75, passed away on February 13th, 2025.
She was a lifelong learner, poet, and 4thgeneration member of the Kanwaka Literary Club. She wrote educational materials for the Kansas Historical Society as well for Project Archaeology. Through her work at the University of Kansas she assisted countless students in navigating the complexities of higher education.
She leaves behind her husband, David Smith, children Kristin Teschke and Matthew Anderson, stepchildren Ross Smith and Jamie Parrish, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her brother Lance Willits, and sister Lori Brunt. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold Willits and Waneta Willits (nee Colman}, and her brother Mark Willits.
Celebration of life will be held at Kanwaka Hall, 776 US Hwy 40 Lawrence, KS on Friday, February 28th, 2025 from 1pm-4pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Kansas Audio Reader program at Audio-Reader, 1120 W. 11th Street, Lawrence KS 66044 or online at https://reader.ku.edu/ways-donate.
My sincere condolences go out to Ramona’s family
Wishing Ramona’s family peace as they grieve her loss, as well as blessings of warm memories of the lives they shared. Ramona and I are distant cousins, with genetic connections to the Colman family, mine through my maternal grandmother Grace Colman Elkin. Ramona will always be an integral part of the tapestry that represents our shared histories. We spent many childhood days together enjoying family reunions held at Kanwaka Hall, a perfect spot for her celebration of life. Ramona, know that I am sill sharing a laugh with you over Uncle Merle’s salty language.
Dear Kristin, Matthew, and Lori.
Please accept our sincere condolences to each one you. My daughter, Kelly and I have many, many warm memories spent with your family near the Lake.
Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. When a black capped chickadee passes by it is your Mom’s messenger.
We’re fortunate to have experienced her brilliant sense of humor and true kindness through the years.
Always, Kelly and Care
I met Ramona at West Junior High, she had so much personality and energy most of us were drawn to her. She was a very friendly young person as we continued our educations at Lawrence High School. I had not seen her over the years we shared in Lawrence, but thought she had stayed close by. I thought of her many times as the years passed, but our paths never crossed, even though I had worked in the Student Union and also in the Computer Science Department. My condolences to her family during her passing, and also my condulations, as Ramona achieved so much in her career, so much to remember and be proud of her achievements.