Galdina Mary Ramirez

Galdina Mary Ramirez, 89, of Parsons, passed away at 8:42 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2019, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Parsons.

She was born April 8, 1930 in Parsons, Kansas to Aristeo and Transito (Yanez) Fuentez.  She grew up in Parsons and attended the Our Lady of Victory School and later received her G.E.D..  She was united in marriage to Joaquin Ramirez on July 19, 1949 at the Our Lady of Victory Church.  Together, they raised their nine children in Parsons.

She was a full-time Mom until the Head Start Program started in Parsons and she volunteered as a helper when her younger children were of age to attend Head Start.  Her son Eugene "Gene" was one of the first children to participate in the Head Start program.  When her youngest child started Kindergarten, she went to work at Swift Co. and in 1974, began employment at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center where she worked for 19 years, first in the cafeteria and later in housekeeping.

She enjoyed camping, traveling with her husband to Pow Wows and going to bowling tournaments.  She loved watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play ball games and other activities: She was their best cheerleader!  She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons and former member of St. Mary Church and Altar Society.  She was also a member of the Ladies Fraternal Order of Eagles.  She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.

Survivors include four sons, Steve, Joaquin "JR" and Daniel Ramirez (Paula) all of Parsons and Raphael "Ray" Ramirez of Pensacola, Florida; four daughters, Victoria "Vicky" Williams (Jerry), Agnes "Nana" Mateer, Ann Cruse (Kevin) and Patty Shaver, all of Parsons; four brothers, Fidel "Bill" Fuentez from Parsons, Charles Fuentez of California, Tony Fuentez of Rogue River, Oregon and Alfonzo "Al" Fuentez from Phoenix, Arizona; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews as well as extended family, Laura Preston, Becky Ramirez, Melody Ramirez, Perry Davis, Pamela Bell and Haley and Dylan Lewis.

Her husband of 59 years, Joaquin preceded her in death on December 9, 2008.  She was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ann Forshey; brother Felix Fuentez; son Eugene "Gene" Ramirez and two grandsons, Justin and Nicholas Ramirez.

The Funeral Mass for Galdina Mary Ramirez will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church with Fr. Curtis Robertson officiating.  Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Parsons.  The Rosary will be prayed at 7 PM, Monday, July 1, 2019 at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  The family will receive friends following the Rosary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Harry Hynes Hospice and these may be left at or mailed to the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, PO Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.