In Loving Memory of Ramona Loraine Mullennax – Age 87 | December 18, 2025
Ramona Loraine Mullennax, age 87, slipped gracefully into the arms of her Savior on December 18, 2025, surrounded by peace and the love of her family at the Serenity House. A woman of deep faith, unwavering kindness, and abundant love, Ramona leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape generations.
Ramona was born on June 15, 1938 and spent her childhood in Douglas, NE. She was one of five children, attended Douglas High School, before meeting the love of her life, Melvin Mullennax. They were married in August of 1956, she earned her LPN, and she followed Melvin as his military career and later jobs took them to multiple locations throughout the midwest.
They spent larger chunks of time in both Colfax, IA and Glenwood, IA before moving to Oskaloosa, IA in 1987, where they lived out the rest of their lives. Ramona’s true joy in life was her role as wife, mother, and later – Grandma. She had four children – Mona, Melvin, Nona, and Douglas. She worked in various care centers, childcare centers, department stores, and volunteered consistently throughout her life. She served those around her as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School volunteer, Youth Group Sponsor, Camp Fire Girls counselor, LeLeche group leader, Awana leader, Women’s Choir director, church Women’s Group president, and choir chaperone for many performances. However, one of her greatest accomplishments was loving Melvin so well that his heart softened and he went on to become the man God always intended him to be. Their love story was a testament to patience, grace, and enduring devotion. She was the anchor of the Mullennax Crew, tethering them to an unshakable faith that inspired Melvin and all four children toward the God she served selflessly and loved with abandon. She poured her entire heart into raising them well, loving them through each season and challenge. Family was the center of Ramona’s world next to her faith. She taught those around her the true meaning of love, faith, and family, and she modeled the value of commitment through her marriage of more than 60 years to her husband.
Ramona will always be remembered for her wise words of counsel, her gentle guidance, and the way she made people feel seen and valued. She loved ice cream, cherished meaningful conversations at the dining table, taught the grandkids to play cards and offered welcoming hugs to the many visitors who passed through her home daily. She also never knew a stranger for long; as she always seemed to welcome those ‘strangers’ into the family long term. Her life was a living example of Christ’s love in action.
Above all else, Ramona loved God and trusted Him fully. Her faith was not only spoken but lived—through her compassion, her forgiveness, and her steady commitment to loving others well. She spent countless hours praying for those around her and even those she didn’t know. Ramona was an active member of Fellowship Bible Church since moving to Oskaloosa and continued to stay well connected to everyone there as she has been mostly at home the last few years. She loved reading through each bulletin, plugging in online to each service and most times multiple services each Sunday.
In recent years, Ramona deeply missed her beloved husband, and in God’s perfect timing, He ushered her home on Melvin’s birthday—a reunion filled with restoration, joy and peace.
She was preceded in death by her parents – Dick and Lima Neeman; her siblings Boyd, Wenona, and Dick; her husband, Melvin Mullennax; her son, Melvin Mullennax; and her daughter, Nona Houdesheldt.
She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Mona Van Zomeren (Jim); her son, Douglas Mullennax (Sharon); Daughter in law, Shari Mullennax; Son in Law, Virgil Houdesheldt: and countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and adopted family members whose lives are forever enriched by her love.
Though she will be dearly missed, Ramona’s legacy lives on in the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the faith she so beautifully embodied. We rejoice in knowing she is home, fully restored, and reunited with those she loved, resting in the presence of her Savior.
Psalms 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”
Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the friends who became family while caring for Ramona. Your love, support, and presence meant more than words can express. We also wish to thank every nurse, aide, and doctor who cared for her with such compassion and dedication. Ramona loved and appreciated each one of you, and because of that, you will forever hold a special place in our hearts
Funeral services for Ramona Mullennax, 87, of Oskaloosa, will be Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at the Fellowship Bible Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with Reverend Rodney DeRonde officiating. Burial will take place at the Union Mills Cemetery, east of New Sharon. Memorials may be made to the Fellowship Bible Church or the MHP Hospice Serenity House. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
