Ramona "Mona" Watry (nee Thelen)

Ramona A. “Mona” Watry nee Thelen

June 15, 1930 – August 18, 2025

Ramona A. “Mona” Watry, 95, of West Bend, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025, and joined her loving husband, Syl, who passed away August 13, 2015.

She was born on June 15, 1930, in Muskego, WI, to the late Simon and Henrietta (Hansen) Thelen. She lived in Menomonee Falls, Waubeka, Saukville, and Fredonia. She graduated from Random Lake High School in 1948. She married Syl, the love of her life, on June 3, 1950, in Fredonia, WI, and they began a 65-year journey together, one defined by deep love, unwavering companionship, and the joy of two true soulmates. They settled in West Bend where they raised their six children and built a legacy of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and good friends.

She worked briefly at West Bend Company, Winninghoff & Bradley, McLane School, and volunteered at the Washington County Historical Society, but her focus was being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and wonderful friend to many. Her spunk, unique facial expressions and antics made everyone smile and helped her dispense her unique brand of wit and wisdom. She was a wonderful cook and loved to sew and bake.

She is survived by and will be sorely missed by her five children, Linda (Frank) Cisek of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Diane (Mike) Kent of West Bend, Allen (Karen) Watry of the Town of Auburn, John (Liz) Watry of Town of Delafield, Wendy Cross of Hoschton, GA; daughter-in-law, Patty (Tom) Steffek; nine grandchildren, Will (Ericka) Watry, Charlie Watry, Stephanie (Brad) Jensen, Travis (Tanya) Watry, Kathryn (Glen) Harold, Nicholas (fiancé Roxie Bartley) Watry, Kelsey (Patrick) Krier, Kendra Cross and Cassie Cross; ten great-grandchildren: Orion Watry, Zoe Watry, Izabella Watry, Hadley Jensen, Sutton Jensen, Charlotte Watry, Levi Watry, Emerson Watry, Avery Watry and Patrick (PJ) Krier; two step-granddaughters, Traci Fernandez and her daughter, Belen, and Gina (Evan) Green and their daughters, Evangeline and Josephine; along with special nieces, Cynthia Kaeding and Ann (Jason) Ennis; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by a son, Lawrence “Larry” Watry; a daughter-in-law, Suzanne Watry, a son-in-law, Anthony “Tony” Cross; her sister, Avis Spuhler; her brothers, Calvin Thelen and Ivan Thelen; along with other relatives and friends.

To know Ramona was truly to love her. She was the life of every party (in fact, we often couldn’t get her to leave one), the belle of every ball, and the light of every room. She never met a stranger or went a day without laughing. The world was fortunate to have had her vibrant presence for 95 years. Ramona leaves behind not only a legacy of love and joy, but also shoes far too big to fill—metaphorically, of course, since her actual feet were quite small.

Her love, laughter, and spirit will be deeply missed.

VISITATION: Ramona’s family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service (1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI).

FUNERAL SERVICE: Following visitation, a funeral service will be held for Ramona at 7:00 p.m. at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, with Deacon Mark Jansen officiating the service. Private entombment will be at Washington County Memorial Park, West Bend, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Full Shelf Food Pantry and Washington County Historical Society, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you to the loving and caring staff at The Aspen/Cedar Community and the many wonderful Aspen residents. Also, to Dr. Mian, Roneal Schneeberger and Commonheart Hospice who were so helpful and caring.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ramona’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.