Ramona J. (Meredith) Kartman, age 94, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Sun City, Florida.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2899 Hales Mill Rd, Asbury, Iowa. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., is assisting the family.

Ramona was born on February 8, 1932, in Anamosa, Iowa, to Ray Meredith and Ivy (Waggoner) Meredith. She graduated from the Finley Hospital School of Nursing in Dubuque, Iowa, where she earned her nursing diploma and met her future husband, Louis E. Kartman. They were married on October 10, 1953, in a 6:00 a.m. ceremony at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 64 years. Ramona dedicated her life to caring for others through her nursing career. She began at Finley Hospital before serving with the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA). Throughout her distinguished career, she held leadership positions as Director of Nursing at Lady of Lourdes, Bethany Home, Heritage Manor, and Mount Carmel. She concluded her professional career as a coordinator at Sunnycrest Manor. Even after retirement, her commitment to compassionate care continued through her volunteer work with hospice.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Ramona was a founding member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa, where she faithfully served on numerous committees. She established the church's Prayer Shawl Ministry, a ministry that continues to provide comfort and hope to others today. She also treasured the fellowship of her Bible study group, whose friendships and shared faith enriched her life. Ramona and her husband, Louis, were also instrumental in helping create the Veterans Memorial, leaving a lasting tribute to those who served our nation.

Ramona and Louie enjoyed annual fishing trips to Minnesota, where she was known for catching either the first fish of the trip or the biggest one. She and Louie also loved taking impromptu drives, enjoying the scenery and time spent together. A devoted sports fan, Ramona faithfully cheered on the Chicago Cubs and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball teams. Above all, Ramona's greatest joy was her family.

She is survived by her children: Scott Kartman, Lori Burrows, LouAnn DeMoske, and Kari (Jim) Hamilton. She was a proud grandmother to: Curt Frommelt, Matthew Frommelt, Kalee Davis, Emily DeMoske, Natalie Hamilton, Ryan (Kara) Hamilton, and Chris (Holly) Kartman. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Dominic Kartman-Smith, Jayden and Chase Davis, June Kartman, Louis Kartman, Heidi Kartman, Peter Kartman, Lily Frommelt, Matty Frommelt, Leland Hamilton, and Josie Hamilton, each of whom brought her immeasurable pride and joy. She is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, and longtime friends in the Dubuque area.

Ramona was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis E. Kartman; her parents, Ray and Ivy Meredith; brothers, Darrel Meredith and Dwayne Meredith; sister, Beryl Lucker; three sons-in-law, including David Burrows; and her loyal companion, Candy, whose companionship brought her comfort through the challenges of the COVID era.

Ramona will be remembered for her unwavering faith, compassionate heart, quiet strength, and lifelong dedication to caring for others. Whether through her nursing, her ministry, or her love for family and friends, she lived a life of service that touched countless lives. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund had been established.