Ramona Chamberlain Hafen

Santa Clara, Utah – We celebrate the life of Ramona Chamberlain Hafen, born August 11, 1928, to Hans and Mercy Chamberlain in Kanab, Utah. Ramona was 96 at the time of her passing on November 3, 2024, and leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion. A beloved daughter of God, her life was centered on her family and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She lived beautifully. The title of her personal history, "Blessed All My Life" reflects the gratitude she embraced.
A gifted musician, Ramona shared her love of music with her family, church, and community. She played the piano and organ with skill, accompanying musical numbers for road shows, recitals and solos, as well as cultural, school and religious events. She taught piano lessons to all her children and many others in Santa Clara and enjoyed singing second-soprano in trios and choirs. Throughout her school days in Orderville and her college days at Dixie and BAC, she loved to dance and choreographed many numbers for both her own performances and those of others. Tap dancing was her favorite.
Ramona was unselfish, thrifty, and quick to say, "Thank you." She created a warm and nurturing home, where all her children felt loved and valued. She sewed clothes, preserved fruits and vegetables and showed by example how to live with gratitude. Her support for her husband, Arlo, in his many religious and civic responsibilities was unwavering. She served as a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding many important callings, but her favorite was playing the piano for singing time with the primary kids.
Growing up in Orderville, Utah, Ramona cherished her roots. She spent her younger years working in her "Papa's Store", watching him treat everyone with kindness and generosity, regardless of their means or ability to pay. She enjoyed schoolwork and loved playing in the band. She also participated in sports, and dancing and always spoke fondly of those happy times. She and a friend once walked through the Zion Tunnel before it had windows or room to pass- a daring adventure that reflected her quiet confidence. A special place for her was Hidden Lake and she spent many happy hours there with cousins in the summers.
While she may not have enjoyed driving the tractor or cattle truck, herding cows, or driving for the hay-hauling, she did love reading and found joy in histories, fiction, scriptures, and especially The Book of Mormon. She was a wonderful cook always prepared with plenty of food for unexpected visitors and was known by some of the great grandchildren as "Cookie Grandma" because of her endless supply of homemade cookies.
When asked about the greatest invention of her lifetime, she responded with enthusiasm, "Indoor Plumbing!" Ramona looked forward with faith to reuniting with her husband Arlo, her parents, siblings, and many loved ones. Following a priesthood blessing that brought her peace and comfort, she whispered her final words, "Thank You".
Ramona was a beloved member of her community; her gentle spirit and gracious heart will be profoundly missed. Her earthly life was a testament to humility, goodness, and acceptance. Her legacy of love will endure for time and all eternity. She was a peacemaker. We love you Mom and are so happy for you!
Ramona is survived by her seven children and their spouses: Rick (Susan) Hafen, Pam (Jim) Strebel, Suzanne (Jeff) Webb, Hans (Lori) Hafen, Ned (Debbie) Hafen, Jill (Ivan) Peterson, Jennifer (Todd) Stevenson; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and one sister-in- law, Sylvia Chamberlain.
In lieu of flowers, Ramona requests that friends donate to their favorite charity.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Santa Clara Valley Chapel, 3040 Santa Clara Drive, Santa Clara, Utah. Visitations will be held on Friday evening, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah and on Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in the Santa Clara City Cemetery located at 1950 Ancestor Way.
Livestreaming on the services may be viewed at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/97183670658 Ramona Hafen Funeral Service Program