Ramona Lee Benway

Ramona Lee Benway, daughter of Raymond and Viola Keaton was born December 6, 1939 in Yolyn, West Virginia. Ramona passed into the loving arms of Jesus, September 21, 2018. There are not enough words to say how much her family and friends are grieving her absence in this life. We all rejoice that we will be reunited with her again someday. Ramona had a calling from the Lord to serve in ministry at the early age of 12 years old. After graduating Logan High School in 1958, Ramona attended Alderson Broaddus University. She graduated in 1962 with her bachelors degree in Christian Education. On her first day at work in Kodiak, Alaska, Ramona met Dave Benway. It was love at first sight. They married on May 29th, 1963 and would go on to spend 55 beautiful, memorable years together, just as in love as they were that first day. This union was blessed with a son, Shane Benway and a daughter, April Warford, to be followed by granddaughters the four seasons, Wynter, Autym, Summer and Spring. Ramona was the first female minister to serve at First Baptist Church in Visalia, California. She had a way of adapting to the changing times; a visionary that always asked the question, "how can we reach people of this generation?" Even after working decades in ministry at what is now Gateway, Ramona continued to be a presence in the church. Ramona was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, also known as "Grammy". She enjoyed making memories with her family, bible study with her neighborhood girlfriends, lunch with the crackpots, and weekly coffee dates with her daughter and granddaughters. Ramona had a love for gardening and cooking. She had to have any new kitchen gadget that hit the market. If you knew her well, she was always willing to share her exciting new-found kitchen tips and recipes. Ramona Benway is survived by husband, Dave Benway, children, Shane Benway and April Warford. Sister, Betty Grissinger and brother, Jimmy Keaton. Grandchildren, Wynter and Will Binder, Autym and Tobin Sanson, Summer Warford and Spring Warford. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 7th at 1:30 pm at Gateway Church in Visalia

Ramona Lee Benway

December 6, 1939 - September 21, 2018