Ramona Effinger

Ramona Kathryn Lantz Effinger was born January 27, 1918. She was the only child of Karl Ivor Lantz and Kathryn Ibos Lantz. She was a native Texan and a native Houstonian of which she was very proud. Ramona graduated from Reagan High School in the Heights where she lived on Courtland Street until she married Bob Effinger. She was a drummer in the Reagan High School Red Coats, a cheerleader, and runner-up for most beautiful at Reagan. Ramona was an accomplished pianist and belonged to many music clubs in Houston. She and Bob were active members of Heights Presbyterian Church on 18th Street and later at St. Phillips Presbyterian Church on San Felipe and Post Oak. Ramona loved sewing for her children and grandchildren and teaching them to play the piano. Ramona held offices in the Scouts, Parent Teachers Associations, and United Fund. Ramona loved growing flowers and flower arranging. She was President of the Crestwood Garden Club as well as other offices there. Ramona was an avid bowler and active in the Bowling Association and was a Class A Bowler in Houston for many years. She lived in the Houston Heights for over 30 years. Then she and Bob raised their children in Crestwood, off Memorial Drive where they lived at East Cowan St. for 20 years. After retiring to her ranch in Chappell Hill, Texas, she was active in the Brenham Art League. She was an accomplished artist in later years and held offices in that league. Ramona was a member of the Chappell Hill Historic Society, the historic Chappell Hill Methodist Church and helped run a working cattle ranch for over 40 years. Ramona adored her family, children, Grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called her "Mimi". Like her French ancestors before her, she was a fantastic cook and hostess and passed down many fabulous recipes we all enjoy. Ramona is preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Robert Temple Effinger, Jr. and her parents, Karl and Katie Lantz. She is survived by her oldest daughter, Temple Karlyn Effinger Smith, of Houston, Texas; daughter Karen Faye Effinger Nodine of Rio Frio, Texas, and her son, Robert Temple Effinger III of Chappell Hill, Texas. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Mark Edward Smith of Moab, Utah; Ramona Kay Smith Britt of Houston, Texas; Peter Francis Maroney III of Bastrop, Texas; Robert Temple Effinger IV of California, and William Lantz Effinger of Florida. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Faye Maroney, Hunter Madison Maroney, and Annabelle Effinger. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at Chappell Hill United Methodist Church in Chappell Hill. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Arrangements for Ramona Kathryn Lantz Effinger are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham.