Elvina Ramza

STREATOR — Elvina Marie Ramza, 98, of Streator, passed away at 12:51 a.m. Friday, Aug. 10, at Heritage Health in Streator surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, at Hagi & Baker Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at St. Michael the Archangel Church. The Rev. Ryan Mattingly will officiate. Interment will be in St. Casimir’s Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

She was born in Streator on Feb. 29, 1920, to John and Susan (Chverha) Mehall. She met the love of her life, John A. Ramza, at the Plumb Hotel while listening to the jukebox. Ten months later they were engaged, then followed their wedding July 19, 1941, at St. Stephen’s Church. They were married 45 years. He preceded her in death Nov. 5, 1986.

She is survived by her children, John F. Ramza, of Streator, Carole (Gerald) Garretson, of Streator, Craig (Donna) Ramza Sr., of Streator, and Mark A. (Sharon Ruede) Ramza, of Allen, Texas; grandchildren, John (Stephanie) Ramza, of Genoa, Robert (Jill) Ramza, of Elgin, Steve (Karyn) Ramza, of Gilberts, Jerry (Lee Ann) Garretson, of Streator, Jeffrey (Melissa) Garettson, of Orland Park, Kara (Scott) Baker, of Kettering, Ohio, Trisha (Gary) Nink, of Ottawa, and Craig (Lindsay) Ramza Jr., of Ottawa; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Mehall; her mother, Susan Mehall-Poruba; her stepfather, Joseph Poruba; two granddaughters, Anna and Savannah Ramza; brothers, John and George Mehall; and sisters, Annie Willett, Margaret Quiriam, Ada Hoffman, Elsie Swanson and Irene Gallick-Martin.

After graduating from St. Stephen’s Grade School and Streator High School, employment followed in the office at Owens-Illinois Glass Company.

Elvina and her husband were active members of Polish National Alliance. After her husband’s death, she took over the responsibility of financial secretary of Group 433 in Streator for over 26 years. Their greatest love was planning dinner dances and social events at the PNA hall.

As an active member of the YMCA, she swam several mornings a week until she stopped driving at the age of 95. She kept a very active life, which included polka dancing, playing euchre, poker, swimming, bowling, shopping and most recently playing bingo. She also enjoyed traveling, entertaining and house parties. She was also an avid Cubs fan.

Known affectionally as “Grandma La La,” she continued to retain her wonderful sense of humor and sharp wit until her passing

Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family and her video tribute seen at hagifuneralhome.com.

Hagi & Baker Funeral Home

205 High St., Streator, IL 61364

815-672-2420 hagifuneralhome.com