Ramona Jo (Cameron) Downs, Raytown, MO, passed away June 16, 2012, at home surrounded by her family. Born August 8, 1948, to Earl and Joan (Cantrell) Cameron of Monett, MO, she graduated Raytown South HS '66, Mizzou '70, and completed her Master's degree in Early Childhood at UMKC in '74. Giving children a fighting chance in life was her #1 priority throughout her career which included the KCMO school district, UMKC Child Development Center, Director of Shawnee Mission Head Start, and most recently Director of Quality Initiatives at The Family Conservancy in KCKS. Ramona was married to John Thomason from 1971-78. In 1981, she united with Robert Downs in a marriage that successfully blended 2 families for more than 30 years. She was mother to 4 children, and many Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls and other "strays" who called her "Mom." She is survived by her loving husband Bob, children Timothy & Ruthann Thomason of Blackhawk, CO, Dan & Amanda (Thomason) Campbell and David & Karen Downs all of Blue Springs, MO, and Danny & Heather Downs of Portsmouth, OH. Ramona was proud grandmother to Tyler & wife Cynthia, Abbey, Damien, Noah, Emery, Evan, Anna, Elliana, Cameron and Isaac. She is also survived by her brother, Rod Cameron and wife Sally, loving cousins, nieces, nephews and so many wonderful friends. Funeral services will be 6:30 PM, Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Floral Hills Funeral Home in Kansas City, MO, with visitation from 5-6:30. Burial will then take place on Wednesday morning, June 20, 2012, at 10 AM at Shawnee Cemetery in Warsaw, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to www.thefamilyconservancy.org/make-a-gift.html.
Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com. (Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., K.C., MO 64133, 816-353-1218