Ramona J. Schnautz

Ramona Jean Schnautz, 88, of Murphysboro, passed away at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2017, in Carbondale. Ramona was born October 13, 1928, in Murphysboro, a daughter to the late Lester Lee and Madelyn (Banta) Phifer. She was united in marriage to Fred L. Schnautz in Murphysboro on March 14, 1947. Fred preceded her in death on November 13, 2008. Mona was a big supporter of Murphysboro sports, especially those her kids were involved in. She was secretary of the Touchdown Club and helped organize and decorate numerous football banquets. She was the wrestling cheerleader sponsor when her son Danny wrestled and her daughter Lisa cheered. Back then, the wrestling program operated on a shoe string and she would often fix sandwiches and bake cookies for the entire team. Family was everything to Mona and her husband Fred. They babysat and helped shape the lives of the grandchildren. She was the best Mama a kid could hope for. She was surrogate mom to many and never turned down a hungry kid or one who needed a couch to sleep on. We will miss her but take comfort that she is with her husband Fred. She went to be with him on his birthday. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro. Sister Rachel Castillo will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2107, at the funeral home. Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to Murphysboro High School Wrestling. Survivors include four daughters and sons-in-law, Mona and Kelly Stevens of Murphysboro, Jean and Ken Hooper of Mission Viejo, CA, Lisa and Joe Melvin of Murphysboro, and Laurie and John Biehl of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; three sons and daughters-in-law, Fred and Cathy Schnautz of Murphysboro, Mike and Michelle Schnautz of Orange, CA, and Dan and Michelle Schnautz of Westminster, CA; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Idella Phifer of Dallas TX, and Bud and Bobbye Phifer of Arlington, TX; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren with grand twins coming in April, four nieces and nephews, and three great-nephews. In addition to her parents and husband she was also preceded in death by one niece.

Ramona J. Schnautz

October 13, 1928 - February 2, 2017