of Bella Vista, AR
September 3, 1938 - September 18, 2023
Ramona Eubanks Ritchey Howell, age 85, of Bella Vista, AR passed away on September 18, 2023 after a sudden illness. She was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on September 3, 1938 to H.L. & Tina Eubanks. She spent many years living in Pine Bluff, North Little Rock and then Bella Vista.
Mona was married to J.T. Ritchey until his death in 1989. They had 3 daughters, Hope Lefler (Steve) of Fort Smith, AR, Amy Howell (Jim) of Jonesboro, AR and Julie Shanks (Dewey) of Searcy, AR. She had 5 grandchildren, Eric Anderson (Christy), Christian Lefler (Beth), Christopher Howell, Caroline Shanks and Meredith Shanks. 4 Great-grandchildren, Leighton Anderson, Katherine Anderson, Charlotte Anderson and Levi Lefler. She is also survived by her sister, Rebecca Spence (Lawrence) of Benton. Her family meant everything to her.
In 2015 she married Tom Howell and they spent the last 7 years in Bella Vista enjoying NW Arkansas together until his death in July of 2023.
Mona was a very active member of The Bella Vista Baptist Church. Her pastor, his wife and congregation were very important to her. She often invited new members of her church, new neighbors, family & friends over for dinner to enjoy one of her famous home-cooked meals. She was very warm, welcoming and had quite the gift of hospitality. She was an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan and attended many ballgames. She also enjoyed traveling and exploring new places such as Italy, France, Greece, England, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, South Korea, Panama and all over the US.
A private family service is planned to celebrate a life well-lived.
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24 Condolence(s)
Mike Lefler
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Dear Hope, Amy, Julie, and family. Your mother was such a lovely lady and I know that her life will live on in each of your hearts. Your family is in our prayers asking God to grant you peace and comfort and this time.
Mary Ann Kulbeth
Friday, September 22, 2023
Amy, Hope and Julie, I’m so sorry to hear of your sweet mother’s death. She was so proud of you girls. She was blessed with a beautiful family.
RIP Monaâ£ï¸
Beverly crossett
Friday, September 22, 2023
Melinda Snider
Thursday, September 21, 2023
My sweet friends, I’m so sorry to see this. I know you girls especially will miss her the most. I love you all!!
Brenda Tooke Reynolds
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Hope, Amy & Julie - sending lots of love & prayers. I always loved getting to see Ramona at the family gatherings when I was a young child. She has always been so beautiful and I will never forget how she always made me feel loved.
Danny Hayes
Thursday, September 21, 2023
I remember her from way back when. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Dick Ritchey
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Ramona you were a beautiful lady with a very beautiful family. You will find your reward for your Christian life. To Hope, Amy and Julie; you were and are loved by many. I pray for each of you.
Lynne Gray Crockett
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Hope,Amy and Julie I am sorry to hear about your mom passing away. Please accept my condolences and prayers for your loss. Peace be with you and your families.
Hillary Brewer
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Praying for y’all! So sorry for your loss.
Carolyn S Elms
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Prayers for peace and comfort to be with your family in this time of grief.
Mona was a precious friend and i know she will be missed by all.
May her warm smile and kind ways reside in your memories.
Nancy Jones
Thursday, September 21, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Mona's family. She was such a sweet lady that I'm proud to call a friend. Love to all.
Daryn Lindsey
Thursday, September 21, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and love going up for all.
Cynthia Dillon Covey
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Prayers to you all as you mourn Hope’s mom’s passing. (Steve and I were classmates in NLR and we all met when I was married to David Ratcliff).
“He has sent me (Jesus) to comfort all who mourn.†(Isaiah 61:1)
Sarah Cook
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Amy, Julie, and Hope, I am so sorry for the loss of your momma. I know y’all miss her terribly along with the rest of her family.
I’m praying for you all and know the wonderful memories keep her alive in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Sarah
Lynn Carter
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Thinking of you all and praying for you during this difficult time. Our moms remain in our hearts forever. â¤ï¸ðŸ™ Remembering her brings smiles.
Kent Ritchey
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Hope, Amy, Julie & families, I am sorry for you loss. Dick, Dan, Brenda and I extend our sincere condolences.
Sandra Cornish Simmons
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Blessings to the girls and their families. Fun and wonderful times being neighbors in Pine Bluff many years ago.
David Laffoon
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for Hope and all the familyðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Sandie Mann Henderson
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Prayers for your family. Your mom was very special. I am sorry for your loss.
Betty Allen
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Julie, Amy, and Hope, I am so sorry to see Romona has passed. I will never forget what wonderful neighbors you all were for 8 years. You had the best parents anyone could ever ask for. â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Sharon Prowell
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
So very sorry to hear about Mona. She was a great person, and we had many good times together. I'll always remember her great smile...and her tradmark..Red lipstick.So sad right now!!! RIP LOVE, SHARON
Jeannie Bonds
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Amy I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. Lots of love and prayers to you and your family.
Bridget Crockett
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Julie. Sending you love and hugs. Bridget Crockett
Irene Gray
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Julie, I had no idea this had occurred when I saw you and Amy this morning. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother, who is also the mother and grandmother of my Lefler friends. My sincere condolences to all of you. God Bless You all. Irene Gray