Ramona Joella Valdez

Ramona Joella Valdez

On Valentine’s Day, we said goodbye to Ramona Joella Valdez, a woman whose life was filled with love, laughter, and an undeniable zest for living. Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on November 18, 1937, she lived in various places across the West, but it was Anaconda, Montana, where she truly made her home. 

Ramona had a deep passion for music and dance, and nothing brought her more joy than singing along to her favorite songs. She was an avid card player, renowned for her skill in pinochle, and a fierce competitor in Anaconda’s women’s shuffleboard league—always ready for a challenge. 

Ramona passed peacefully, with her beloved daughter, Lynette, and Lynette’s devoted husband, Dean Foulger, by her side. She is also survived by her sister, Geri Kepler; her daughter, Debbie Nixon, and her husband, Rick; her son, Vaughn Catoire, and his wife, Jiyeon; her daughter-in-law, Grace Catoire, widow of her late son, Duane; and her beloved dog, Maggi, who was by her side until the end. 

She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Heather Veal (Georgia), Taylee Foulger (Utah), Angie Catoire Libarios (Hawaii), Michael and Jennifer Catoire (Montana), Dawn Goode (California), along with three great-grandchildren. She is also cherished by many other family members and friends. Ramona now joins her son, Duane, in heaven, where we know she’s already winning a few games and dancing to her heart’s content. 

A celebration of her life will be held this spring, and we will share details as they come together. Until then, we invite you to honor Ramona’s memory by cherishing the music, laughter, and competitive spirit she so dearly loved—and perhaps by raising a glass of Dr. Pepper in her honor.