Ramona Smythe

Ramona Jean Smythe, 69 of Devils Lake ND passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Ramona Jean, daughter of Edward and Adeline (Anderson) Larson was born on October 13, 1953 at Devils Lake ND, one of nine children. She grew up on the Spirit Lake Nation, attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Devils Lake. She continued her education at Lake Region Junior College and graduated from UND with a Degree in Education.

Ramona taught for a short time in Devils Lake and St. Michael, ND. Most of her teaching career was at Four Winds School in Fort Totten, teaching several different grades. “Ms. Mona” as she was known by all of her students, dedicated over 40 years to the teaching profession. She even coached basketball at one time.  She loved each and every student in such a special way. They were like her children who she nurtured, educated and did her best to get them ready for each and every challenge in their lives.  She shared their joy at all their achievements. That was our “Ms. Mona”.

Ramona was united in marriage to William G. “Bill” Smythe on June 21, 2003 in Devils Lake. They shared a love of the outdoors, camping, fishing, deer hunting and most of all spending time with family and friends. Ramona was also an avid bowler and one heck of a softball player.

Ramona loved her precious family with her whole heart. They were so very special to her, the light of her life, the sparkle in her eyes so ever present when in their company.

Ramona was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, her parents Edward and Adeline, sister Joyce Bye, brother Mark Larson, nieces Erin Bye and Aimee Larson, nephew Brent Borgen and other beloved family members.

She is survived by her husband Bill; son Tony Larson and his wife Diana of Devils Lake; grandchildren Madison Larson and Caleb Larson; step daughter Shannon (Dave) Baird and children Charlotte and Grayson all of Vermont; siblings Linda Fee, Brad (Jeri) Larson, Jodie (Dave) Hermstad, Claudette Larson and Loren Larson all of Devils Lake and Rick Larson of Larimore, ND; many dear nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

Gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Services for Ramona will be on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend JoHanna Buchholz officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery.

A special thank you to the caring staff of Eventide Memory Care Unit and the nurses at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital.