Ramona Jean Lehman

RAMONA JEAN LEHMAN, daughter of Theodore and Lauretta Knoploh Hoppenworth, was born May 7, 1938, in Sumner, Iowa and was greeted at Heaven's gates by those who had gone on before her on August 2, 2023, at the age of eighty-five years.
Ramona attended school in Sumner, Iowa, where she graduated. She made friends easily and treasured each friendship.
Ramona made a profession of faith in Christ at a young age. She learned to play the organ and piano and put that talent to use as the organist at her Lutheran Church in Iowa. Most recently, Ramona had been attending Lifepoint Church, as long as her health allowed.
On November 15, 1957, Ramona was united in marriage with her forever love, Robert Louis "Bob" Lehman. To this union was born four children. Prior to Bob's passing on February 28, 2019, she and Bob had shared sixty-one years of laughter and memories, side by side.
While living in Iowa, Ramona became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at a clinic in West Union, Iowa for several years.
On June 1, 1971, Ramona and Bob moved to Lebanon and became the owners and operators of Munger Moss Motel. Bob and Ramona became more like family to many of the motel patrons they had through the years. Ramona made Munger Moss her home away from home for over fifty-two years. She became the "Mother of the Mother Road." She welcomed weary travelers from all over with her infectious smile and countless stories. She was knowledgeable about the history of Route 66 and eager to share that knowledge with others. She was also a longtime member of Lebanon Rotary Club.
Ramona considered it a great honor to be involved in the historic mark of Route 66. She received much deserved recognition in our community for her dedication. In 2021, she and Bob were inducted into the Lebanon Laclede County Route 66 Society Wall of Fame. In 2022, Ramona was added to the "Wall of Honor" at the Cowan Civic Center. She was a past president of the state of Missouri Route 66 and was the Grand Marshall of the Route 66 Festival, where she was named the "Queen of Route 66." To say she was passionate about what she did for Route 66 would be an understatement. She loved it. She loved the people involved and relished the memories made over the years in our community.
Ramona is survived by her two daughters, Mary Jo Shadel and her husband Rick of Osage Beach, MO and Shelly Cravens and her husband Jim of Lebanon, MO; three grandchildren, J.D. Shadel and his wife Becka, Kayla Farner and her husband Brett and Kelsey Jones and her husband Chuck; seven great grandchildren, Jake and Luke Shadel, Jace, Lilli Ann and Robert Farner, Harper Jean and Elijah David Jones; her brother, Jim Hoppenworth and his wife Pat of the state of Iowa; a sister, Janet Lindaman and her husband Gene of the state of Minn.; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of dear friends.
Ramona is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert Lehman, who passed away on February 28, 2019, by two sons, Bobby and Terry Lehman and by a brother, Roger Hoppenworth.
Ramona was so many things to so many people. She loved her family unconditionally and without limitation. She had an unmatched zest for life and gave hugs that would squeeze you to your core. She was intentional. She spoke with purpose. She was successful and stern, only when necessary. Our lives are better because of Ramona. It is our job to continue her legacy in the years to come. Our community grieves together. She will be forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ramona to Shriners Children's Hospital and donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, MO 65536.
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