Juan Ramos

Memorial Mass for Juan Ramos, 90, Lawrence will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He passed away Monday, September 16, 2019 at Arbor Court at Alvamar in Lawrence.

Juan was born on August 21, 1929 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, the son of Cruz and Margarita (Jaimes) Ramos.

Juan married the love of his life Maria Micaela Bermudez on July 7, 1958 in Lawrence, Kansas and she survives the home. His greatest concern throughout his long life and marriage was that of his beautiful wife Mickey. Juan was always thinking of Mickey. They loved to go dancing for hours. In recent years, they were often seen holding hands in the backseats of their children’s cars as they were going to family events. Even in his last hours, Juan was most concerned about Mickey’s welfare.

Other Survivors include his children; Yolanda (T.J.) Reyes, Jr., Linda (Louis) Jaimez, Richard (April) Ramos, Jesse (Michele) Ramos, grandchildren; Richard (Amy) Jaimez, LynAngela Jaimez, T. (Jackie) Reyes III, Kylie (Dwane) Rodriquez, Danielle (Joey) Ramos, Kelsie (Barry) Reyes, Abigail (Derek) Christian, Jordan Ramos, Whitney (Brad) Pinegar, Allison Ramos, Anthony Ramos, thirteen great-grandchildren and son-in-law, James (Lyuba) Bland.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Felicia “Lisa” Ramos Bland, grandson Adam Miguel Juan Ramos, all of his siblings, and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Juan helped beautify the University of Kansas campus for 43 years in his capacity as a horticulturist in the Buildings and Grounds Department. He was known by many for his green thumb and his strong work ethic as demonstrated by his many Employee of the Year awards. A favorite memory of Juan’s was when he had lunch under a redbud tree with a very tall man whose knees when he was sitting down were above Juan’s head and with whom he shared a couple of burritos and the man shared some of his ribs with Juan. Many years later, we all had a good laugh when Juan saw a picture of Wilt Chamberlain in the newspaper and said, “That’s the fellow I had lunch with under the redbud tree.” In addition to keeping the campus green and wondrously colorful, Juan and his family maintained the beauty of many private lawns and yards around the campus. After these work outings, Juan would treat the family to hamburgers (6 for a $1) at Dairy King and then they would finish with root beers from A & W.

Juan was very proud of his heritage. As such Juan loved to entertain his family with his musical talents by playing music from his homeland of Mexico. He and his brothers loved singing and playing various musical instruments, often switching instruments amongst each other. Juan also fortified his family with his love of vegetable gardening and cooking, including his renowned homemade salsa and menudo; slicing and dicing was one of his favorite pastimes. The kids and grandkids would drop everything to go eat Grandpa Juan’s cooking masterpieces.

There were many phrases Juan was known to repeat such as “It’s good but we want better,” “Better out than in,” “It’ll do in a pinch,” “Where’s the beef?” “Want a booger (burger)?” “I don’t know who said these are the Golden Years” and “Viva La Raza!” He could certainly make you laugh until your stomach hurt! A favorite pastime of Juan’s was watching WWF (World Wrestling Federation) on TV. He was so excited when Lisa brought him a dollar bill signed by Rick Flair. Juan always enjoyed watching his KU Jayhawks, especially the men’s Basketball team with Mickey and their grandkids.

Through the many troubles he endured through his life, like the loss of his beloved daughter Lisa, the death of his grandson Adam, and many physical ailments since his retirement, he grew to know and love his Lord. Whenever he said good-bye to a family member, he would remind them that “God goes with you.” He loved his family dearly and was loved as much in return. His family knows that he is at home in Heaven with his Lord, and his many family members and friends that have passed before him.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. with Visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Alzheimer’s Association and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13 ^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.