Carol Sue Ramirez

Carol Sue Ramirez, the heart of our family, passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, the 12th of November, at the age of 84, leaving a giant hole in our souls. Carol’s life filled those around her with laughter, love, and an energy that made you glad to be around her.

Carol Sue Jewell was born in Des Moines, Iowa and raised in Valley Junction. She attended Valley High School, class of 1958. Go Tigers! Carol married her high school sweetheart, Richard Ramirez, in June of 1960, and together these two traveled the world as only they could. Carol, a woman of many talents, created work experiences for herself while supporting five children and her military husband. She was Army Strong. From Germany to Panama and across the USA, Carol and Richard went around the world.

She created a warm and inviting home for her family, so inviting that her little chickens felt drawn to visit often. Carol, survived by her five children, Theresa and Tim Randolph of Frederick, Colorado, Michelle Wade of West Des Moines, Iowa, Martin and Laura Ramirez of Portland, Oregon, Richard Ramirez, Jr. of Stevenson Ranch, California, and Michael and Stacey Ramirez Ramirez of Clive, Iowa; her five grandchildren, Jessyca (Jared) Osborn of Wichita, Kansas, Karley (Will) Heidorn of Estherville, Iowa, Jacob Randolph and Margaret Rollings of West Seattle, Washington, Adam Ramirez of Clive Iowa, Samantha Herrett of Brattleboro, Vermont; and her great-grandchildren, Thomas, Timothy, Natalie, and Aiden of Wichita, Kansas, all were her pride and joy and she savored every moment with them.

Her sister, Dody Christy, became her theatre and travel buddy when Carol and Richard retired and moved back to West Des Moines, Iowa in 2005. Their connection and desire to grow older together, through their shared experiences, grew stronger with each passing year.

Carol had a special bond with Florianne Rivera, the sixth “grandchild”, and Barb Bostwick, her casino traveling buddy, sharing many adventures together. Her classmates from Valley High School kept her connected and provided her a social network. Her willingness to help others in need extended beyond the family to her volunteer work at West Des Moines Human Resources and Methodist West Hospital gift shop. Carol thrived and her light beamed brightest helping others while surrounding herself with family and friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years Richard Ramirez and her parents, Dee and Helen Jewell.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, November, 19, 2024 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines, IA with a Rosary prayed at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 20 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street also in Des Moines. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Iowa Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Des Moines Community Orchestra, or a donation to the family to be used for a memorial at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

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