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Ramona Barreras, 89, of Miami, Arizona passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2022. She was born June 11, 1933 in St. Johns, Arizona. Ramona is preceded in death by her husband, Silverio Barreras; parents Roger and Ruth Pena; and siblings Michael Pena, Berniece Anaya, Stella Sandoval and Roger Pena Jr. She is survived by her sister, Aurora Uhalde, and her cousin, Nestor (Juanita) Montoya.
Ramona’s family moved to Flagstaff when she was 15 years old. Ramona spent a great deal of time in St. Johns with her grandmother, Aurora Mirabal. Ramona went to Flagstaff High School and met the love of her life, Silverio Barreras. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from Northern Arizona University. Ramona and Silverio were married shortly after he served in the United States Air Force. The couple moved to Miami, Arizona, and worked as teachers for the Miami School District.
Ramona had a deep love and commitment to the Miami community. She dedicated her life to educating the children of Miami and Claypool for over 35 years. After her beloved Silverio passed away, Ramona continued his legacy by creating the “Silverio T. Barreras Memorial Scholarship” for graduates of Miami High School who would pursue a degree in education at NAU. Every year, Ramona sponsored and organized a golf tournament to ensure the growth of the scholarship fund. It gave her great gratification and pride to see students from Miami have the opportunity to go to her alma mater and on to a brighter future.
Ramona was a social butterfly and belonged to various clubs and organizations. There wasn’t a club, board or group that had not enjoyed her famous Christmas cookies. She was a proud Rotarian and served as president of the Miami Arizona Rotary Club. Ramona volunteered for St. Vincent De Paul, Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum, the Miami School District, the Miami Public Library and anywhere help was needed in Miami. She served on the board for the Cobre Valley Country Club. Ramona was also very involved in activities at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
She loved golf, books, traveling, recounting her adventures, and people. Ramona was inquisitive and a life-long learner. She led by example and encouraged others to always do the right thing, even when it was the more difficult choice. Ramona led a life of service and generosity. Her legacy will be carried on through the children she taught and the many lives she impacted through her benevolence. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
A Rosary was held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Miami. The Memorial Mass followed at 10 a.m.
Services were entrusted to Bulman Miles Funeral Services, Miami, Arizona, www.bulmanmiles.com.
