Ramona M. Eberhart

Ramona M. Eberhart passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2026 at the age of 97. Born in Rewey, Wisconsin, she moved to Madison as a teenager and graduated from Madison East High School, where she played in the marching band and began her lifelong connection to the Madison community.

Ramona built a distinguished career in real estate as a partner and owner of Badger Realty. She earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike and was honored as the 1986 REALTOR® of the Year by the Greater Madison Board of Realtors. She also served as Chairman of the Membership and Program Committee and received multiple awards for professional achievement. Through her work she formed enduring friendships, and the sons and daughters of many colleagues became part of her extended family. A testament to her passion and work ethic, Ramona continued managing her real estate properties until the age of 87.

A devoted member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Ramona's faith was a steady presence throughout her life. Her generosity extended throughout the Madison community, including support of the Goodman Community Center, veterans' organizations, and other causes that reflected her belief in service and compassion.

Service was central to Ramona's life. She served with dedication as secretary of Blackhawk Post 553 of the American Legion, organizing monthly meetings and dinners with extraordinary care. She prepared detailed notes, created nametags, and remembered everyone's dinner preferences. In recognition of her commitment, she received the American Legion State of Wisconsin Outstanding Achievement Award. She also organized gatherings for the "Gals of 1946," ensuring friendships remained strong and milestones were celebrated. Ramona was also a revered member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Family and tradition mattered deeply to Ramona. She and her beloved husband, Alan, shared 53 years of marriage before his passing. Together they were devoted University of Wisconsin football fans who attended games from their 50-yard seats at Camp Randall, rain or shine. They were also avid NASCAR fans and enthusiastic travelers. In 1972 they sailed aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 with dear friends Ann and Jim Goulette, a trip that reflected Ramona's love of adventure and shared experiences.

A true gourmand and gifted host, Ramona delighted in cooking and entertaining and was known for orchestrating dinner parties where every guest felt welcome.

Humor and positivity were daily companions in her life. Her mother once described her as "tough as a hoot owl," and hoot she often did. Ramona loved her parents, Erma Mae Martin Heffron and Homer LeRoy Heffron, deeply and shared stories of them throughout her life. As an only child, she often said she never felt alone but instead moved through life knowing she was loved and believing that everyone deserved acceptance.

Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Erma Mae Martin Heffron and Homer LeRoy Heffron; her beloved husband, Alan A. Eberhart; her infant brother, Martin Leroy; her cousins Donna Rae and Robert Clasen, Anieta and Carl Klinzing, Richard Martin, and Eulalia (Fruit-Hall) Boak; and her dear friends Jim and Ann Goulette, Rod J. Scheib, George and Ruth Fromader, along with many lifelong companions whose friendship enriched her days.

She is survived by her cousin and godson, Douglas Clasen (Dawn Hayden); her cousin Pat Soderberg; her godson Rod Scheib; the Goulette family; and the many sons and daughters of friends she gathered close throughout her life. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Ebony, affectionately known as Ebbie.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of the UW Hospital TLC Unit and Moments Hospice for their care. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to her caregiver, Kaila Kippley, and her nurse, Beth Hennes, RN, for the care and compassion they shared with Ramona, which helped make her final years of independent living easier.

Ramona often shared a simple philosophy for living: "Think right, be happy, and help others." She carried those words into every day and leaves behind a legacy of generosity, faith, humor, and kindness.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Cress Funeral Home, Madison West, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705. A service hosted by Bethel Lutheran Church will follow at Cress Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ramona's memory may be made to the Goodman Community Center or Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434