Ramona Petersen Demery—beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, poet, and devoted disciple of Christ—passed away peacefully at her home on May 5, 2025, at the age of 98.
She was born on February 5, 1927, in Hyrum, Utah, to Alfred J. Petersen and Hazel Allen. A gifted student from an early age, Ramona graduated as valedictorian of South Cache High School. She continued her education at Utah State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Latin in 1948. Her passion for languages led her to pursue graduate studies, culminating in a Master of Arts degree in French from Rice University in Houston, Texas, in 1949.
Ramona’s love of learning naturally flowed into a love of teaching. She taught Latin, French, and English at Anchorage High School in Alaska for four years, where she touched many young lives. It was in Anchorage that she met and later married Thomas R. Demery on May 29, 1953. Their union was later solemnized in the Logan Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ramona and Tom adopted two children: Jeffrey Allen Demery (deceased) and Christina L. Stevens. Through Christina, Ramona was blessed with seven grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of profound joy. Her beloved husband, Tom, preceded her in death on May 3, 2016.
Over the course of her life, Ramona lived in many places across the United States and abroad, including Alaska, Okinawa, Utah, Florida, New Jersey, Arizona, California, and Virginia, before retiring in Orem, Utah. No matter where she lived, Ramona shared her wit, wisdom, and kindness with all who knew her.
A lifelong lover of literature, Ramona especially cherished poetry. She authored and published four volumes of her own poetic works, reflecting her keen insight and love of language. She also found peace and joy in nature and was an avid hiker. Among her many adventures, she climbed Mount Timpanogos three times—the last time at the age of 70.
Ramona was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous callings, including Primary President, Young Women President, Relief Society President, and teacher. She also wrote and directed several “Road Shows” with her husband Tom. Later in life, she and Tom served two missions together at the Church’s Motion Picture Studio in Provo, Utah.
Ramona’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, service, strength, and love. Her influence and example will live on in the hearts of her family and the many lives she touched.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 310 North 100 East, Orem, Utah. A viewing will precede the service at 9:00 AM. Ramona will be laid to rest in the Hyrum City Cemetery.
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