Elvina Ramza

Elvina Marie Ramza, 98, of Streator passed away at 12:51 AM Friday (August 10, 2018) at Heritage Health in Streator surrounded by her family

A visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Monday at the Hagi & Baker Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM Tuesday at St. Michael the Archangel Church.  Rev. Ryan Mattingly will officiate.

Interment will be in St. Casimir’s Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

She was born in Streator on February 29, 1920 to John & 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 On July 19, 1941 at St. Stephen’s Church.  They were married 45 years.  He preceded her in death on November 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, TX; grandchildren: John (Stephanie) Ramza of Genoa, IL, Robert (Jill) Ramza of Elgin, IL, Steve (Karyn) Ramza of Gilberts, IL, Jerry (Lee Ann) Garretson of Streator, Jeffrey (Melissa) Garettson of Orland Park; Kara (Scott) Baker of Kettering, Ohio; Christopher Ramza of Allen, TX, Trisha (Gary) Nink of Ottawa and Craig (Lindsay) Ramza Jr. of Ottawa; 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Mehall, her mother, Susan Mehall-Poruba, her stepfather, Joseph Poruba; 2 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 Owen’s-Illinois Glass Plant.

Elvina and her husband were active members of the Polish Nation 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 Y.M.C.A., 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.  Elvina 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 www.hagifuneralhome.com