Ramona L. “Mona” Parrish

Ramona L. “Mona” Parrish age 62, of Caldwell, Ohio died Wednesday May 19, 2021 at SE Ohio Regional Medical Center in Cambridge.  She was born Sept. 5, 1958, in Cambridge, daughter of Paul R. and Jessie J. Pickenpaugh Gill of Caldwell. Ramona was a 1976 graduate of Caldwell High School and continued her education through the Ohio Department of Education Food Program.  She worked at Hamilton Beach Scovil in Byesville, managed Gill’s Drive Inn and the Snack Shack at Seneca Lake.  She loved cooking and serving others.  Every occasion was only a reason for her to cook and make others happy.  She volunteered for Eagles Auxillary as treasurer for many years and spent many hours serving the Caldwell Fire Department.  Ramona was employed as the first cook for the Noble Learning Center and fed hundreds of children and staff for over 13 years until she became ill.  This was her passion and she loved what she did.

Ramona was first and foremost a loving heart who cherished her family every day. All she ever wanted was to be a mother.  In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband Mark M. Parrish, whom she married November 28, 1996; her children, Brian B. Spence, Ashley D. Spence, and Madison L.A. Parrish (Alex Hannum), Tia D. (Doug) Bettinger, all of Caldwell; Stormie D. Parrish of Portland, Oregon, and Tichina D. (Kendall) Myers of Greensville, North Carolina, grandchildren Kaiden Spence, Patience Glidden, Olivia and Isabella Bettinger, Vivian Parrish, and Amorie  Myers. Her siblings are LaShona S. (Donnie) DeVolld of Sarahsville, Rowena (Alan) Garvin and Paul (Gail) Gill of Caldwell.  She is also leaving behind her best therapy; her beloved dogs, Honey, Baby, and Brownie.  Mona was a loving and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews and also had many cousins that will remember her giving spirit.  She also developed special relationships with her home health caregivers over the past nine years and is leaving many friends that will cherish her memory.

Ramona is a member of the St. Stephen Church and was a devoted servant to others’ needs, without regard to her own pain and suffering.  She was always extending her helpful hand, home, a ride, or a favorite meal to whoever needed it.  She loved people and loved helping others whenever she could. She was always there for anyone, even those she didn’t know, and was always voting for the underdog.  She would rise up and speak her mind, but became a friend to anyone she met. She was everybody’s advocate for a better life, free of judgement.

Mona loved cooking and baking and “feeding the multitude.”  She was also a great teacher, always patient with others and sharing her talents.  She enjoyed fishing, being outside, gardening, canning, crafting, antiquing, coloring, making blankets for everyone, and played softball. She collected recipes and wrote them down everywhere.  She treasured family history and had an exceptional memory of the good old days. She loved the ocean and going to new places. Mona was a diehard Pittsburg Steeler and Ohio State fan and loved watching all of her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews in sports.  She became an avid radio listener and Facebook fan.

A private service will be observed by the family and burial will follow at Sharon Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 24, Caldwell, Ohio 43724, the Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 16, Belle Valley, Ohio 43717, or the Noble Learning Center Scholarship Fund at 44135 Marietta Road, Caldwell, Ohio 43724.  McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, is caring for the family.