Frank Delion Ramirez of Hermiston died on March 1, 2018 at his home at the age of 98.
He was born on April 2, 1919 in Allende Coah, Mexico.
Frank came to the United States in 1926 at the age of 6, living in Texas shortly before moving to Nebraska. His family was poor, and Frank was not able to complete school but instead worked on a large beet farm, weeding and driving tractors and trucks to help earn money. He also worked in a tailor shop, mending and altering clothing.
Frank joined the Army in 1941, serving during World War II for three and a half years before his honorable discharge. He was based in France and Italy during the war and was an ambulance driver, carrying wounded soldiers to the ambulance and caring for them until reaching the hospitals. The war ended, and he met his future wife in the fall of 1945. Romana was 17 and Frank was 26. He married the love of his life, Romana Hernandez, on Jan. 10, 1948 in Mitchell, Neb. and was married for 68 years. They lived in Sydney, Neb. before settling in Hermiston in 1964. In 1950, Frank started working at the Sioux Army Depot in Sydney. He was transferred to the Umatilla Army Depot in Hermiston in 1964, where he continued to work until retirement in 1976.
Frank enjoyed fishing and raising a huge garden. He was also a good pool player, and loved to make tamales and spend time with the crew at the HT. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly.
He is survived by sons, Frank Ramirez II (Kathy), Hillsboro; Tom Ramirez (Michelle), Hermiston; daughters, Joan (John) Rawson, Damascus, and Marian (John) Ellwanger, Hermiston; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Romana; daughter, Annette Quick; and his four sisters, Otila Blanco, Vera Hernandez, Esther Betances and Amparo (Mary) Vargas.
Frank’s family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Karen Krein for her endless care and compassion.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Hermiston.
Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 noon on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church.
Burial with military honors will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
