Ramona Jean Miewald

MISSOULA – Ramona "Mona" J. Miewald, 79, of Missoula, passed away on Monday, June 18, 2012, surrounded by her family. Mona was born in Piqua, Ohio, Dec. 1, 1932, to Roscoe H. Cron and D. Pauline Thompson Cron. Mona lived with her family, including her sister and two brothers, for many years in Anaconda. She graduated from Anaconda High School with the class of 1951. After high school, Mona attended technical school in Portland, Ore., to become a lab technician. In 1955, she married John R. Miewald. Together, they had three sons and later divorced. Mona lived in a variety of locales around the country, but settled in Missoula, residing there the last 41 years of her life. Mona was a lab technician at St. Patrick Hospital for 26 years before retirement. Standing less than five feet tall, Mona raised three boys, with love and strength and passion, teaching them many solid values. She welcomed her three daughters-in-law into her family as her own. Mona also maintained close relationships with her brothers- and sisters-in-law and their families, including Nancy and Wally Pierce. Mona was a very caring friend, mother and grandmother. She was an amazing cook and gardener. She loved to read, sew, do crosswords, and attend her grandchildren's school and sports events. She was organized, practical, resourceful and inventive. Fiercely independent, Mona lived every day of her life on her own terms with the most indomitable spirit. She was generous with her hugs and praise, her advice, her recipes, and her Thanksgiving pies. Mona was loved and appreciated by many family and friends, as she was always there to help and encourage. Mona was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Rosie; and one brother, "Bud." Survivors include her three sons and their families, Bruce Miewald (Claudia, Ross and Alex) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Dave Miewald (Michelle, Michael and Mackenzie) of Missoula and Don Miewald (Tonya, Vanessa and Serena) of Bothell, Wash.; her younger brother, Tom Cron (Pat) of Anaconda. Cremation has taken place, and a gathering to celebrate Mona's life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. The family would welcome any written accounts of cherished memories with Mona. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution to the Community Medical Center Foundation for Hilda's Room at 2827 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804, or communitymed.org/foundation – Give.