Ramona Goracke

Ramona Frances (Pool) Goracke died November 25, 2025 in Abilene, Kansas at the age of 95. Ramona was born at home in Hope, Kansas, on September 19, 1930, the daughter of Zen Zachariah and Frances Gothney (Helm) Pool. She attended Hope Schools and graduating with the class of 1948. That Summer she attended a 12-week summer school at Emporia State Teachers College, and in the Fall began teaching grades 5,6,7 and 8 at Carlton, Kansas. She taught school for 3 years and then joined Robert Lee Goracke in holy matrimony on July 28, 1951, in Hope, Kansas.

A devoted farm wife she prepared meals for harvest crews and drove grain trucks for many years. A master seamstress, she used her skills to sew most of the clothes for her family. In addition, she was a talented pianist as well. In 1962 she became the church organist for St. Phillip's Catholic Church in Hope, and continued making beautiful music until her retirement (55 years later) in 2017. She was a member of St. Phillip's Catholic Church and St. Phillips's Altar Society. Her hobbies included crocheting, ceramics, knitting, decorative crafts, and gardening. Ramona was instrumental in forming the Hope Alumni Association in 1964 and helped steer the Hope Centennial Celebration in 1986. The town held a contest for a theme song, and she wrote and directed the performance of the winning melody, "There'll Always Be 'Hope' in Kansas". To honor her parents' lives, in 1992 she purchased and placed in the middle of town a community marquee sign that she personally updated with events, birthdays, and anniversaries for many years. Everyone who drove through Hope knew of the local happenings they could support. In addition, Ramona also organized the Hope Gospel Jubilee from 1987 to 1997 held in the Hope City Park. She encouraged local citizens to perform gospel songs and share their talents and love for music which brought a sense of pride to the community. In 2007 she helped instigate a ladies singing group, 'The Sisters of Hope'. Not only did she perform with them, she designed and stitched their costumes. This group of ladies traveled the state of Kansas and entertained with song and dance for over 155 groups spanning 10 years. Recording accompaniment CDs for their 'gigs' gave her great joy. Her devotion to her faith, family, and community was an inspiration to all. She loved playing with her grandchildren and teaching them the value of hard work by her example.

Ramona was preceded in death by her three brothers, Father Robert D. Pool, Zen Zachariah (Easy) Pool Jr. (and wife Donna), and Max M. Pool (and wife Carol). Her Husband Robert L. Goracke passed away in 2003, and a son Ronald Joe Goracke died in 1970. She is survived by two sons and their spouses, Kim L. (Nancy) Goracke of Manhattan, Kansas and Larry J. (Pamela) Goracke of Hope, Kansas, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M., Thursday, December 4, 2025 at St. Phillip's Catholic Church in Hope, Kansas. Rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday before Mass at St. Phillip's Catholic Church. The family suggests memorials contributions be given to St. Phillip's Catholic Cemetery, in care of Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third ST., Abilene, Kansas 67410.