Ramona Villa Yanes, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on October 18, 2025. She fought and won several battles with cancer and courageously battled this latest occurrence to the end. She was born in Yorktown to the late Antonio and Tomasita Villa on January 6, 1942.
Ramona graduated from Yorktown High School then attended nursing school to earn her Licensed Vocational Nurse diploma. She worked at Yorktown Memorial Hospital (and insisted there were no ghosts). When the hospital closed, she then worked at Victoria Regional Medical Center until her retirement.
Family was very important to Ramona. She was known as the family photographer and loved capturing memories. She was an excellent cook & baker and would provide families with treats or a hot meal when needed. She enjoyed volunteering at Holy Cross or San Luis church functions whether in the kitchen or donating a dessert. After she retired from nursing, she would sit with patients at their homes and provide companionship. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Ramona was a devoted wife and mother. She was married to Gregorio ‘Shorty’ Yanes for almost 59 years until his death and raised 2 daughters, Yolanda ‘Yoli’ Dederichs & Patricia ‘Patti’ Yanes. She organized family vacations, wasn’t afraid to ride roller coasters, and had fun playing the slot machines. She was also a proud grandma and loved baking with her grandkids and taking them to different places when they came for a long summer visit.
She is survived by her daughters Yoli (David) and Patti, all from McKinney TX, grandchildren Rebecca and Davie Dederichs, brother Robert (Minnie) Villa of Victoria, sisters Mariann Santos of San Antonio, and Sylvia (Fernando) Medina of Stafford VA, sister-in-laws Frances Villa of Yorktown, Rachel Molina of Austin, Severa Yanes of Mission, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, brothers Ramon, Mike, Joe, Johnny, Rudy, and Leon Villa, infant sister Rosita Villa, and sisters Rebecca Ovalle, Amada and Stella Villa.
Pallbearers are David Dederichs, Davie Dederichs, Orlando Medina, Brandon Villa, Jay Santos, David Villa. Honorary pallbearers are her nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday October 22nd from 5-7pm, with Rosary at 7 pm at Massey Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be at 10am on Thursday October 23rd at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Westside Cemetery.