Ramona Hoth

Ramona Louise Hoth, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,and educator, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City, IA. Ramona was born on July 4, 1936, in New Hampton, Iowa, Ramona was a beacon of kindness, passion, and intrigue throughout her 87 years of life. Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2023 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg with Rev. Ronnie Koch presiding. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg. If unable to attend the service join the family via livesteam by clicking here. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & & Crematory in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues on Friday an hour prior to the service at the church. Family and friends are invited to either send flowers or a memorial donation to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church preschool. Ramona was the daughter of Robert and Emma (VonDoehren) Tennell. Her educational journey began at St. Paul's Lutheran School and culminated as the Salutatorian of her class at Fredericksburg High School in 1954. A natural leader, she led the Fredericksburg Flyers Basketball team with grace and vigor. Following high school, Ramona attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, later earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette in 1969. In 1957, Ramona was united in marriage to Roger Schmudlach. Together, they raised three sons – Rick, Randy, and Ron. Ramona's thirst for knowledge did not stop as she later obtained her master's degree from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, achieving a flawless four-point average. In 1973, Ramona married James Hoth. Her passion for education extended to her professional life. She dedicated 38 years to nurturing young minds, including one year in Postville, fourteen years in Fredericksburg, and twenty-three years at the New Market Elementary School in New Market, Maryland. Ramona's innovative approach to teaching was recognized when she was nominated for a Presidential Science Award for writing a science unit on the monarch butterfly, a unit now included in the Frederick County Science Curriculum. Her dedication and outstanding service to children earned her a life membership in the Maryland Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. She retired in 1996, leaving a legacy of love and learning. Ramona was a woman of faith and service. She was an active member of Peace in Christ Lutheran Church in Frederick, Maryland, and later, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg. She also served in the American Legion Auxiliary of Maryland and the Fredericksburg Am Vet Auxiliary Post 90. Ramona's interests painted a vivid picture of her vibrant personality. Known as "The Butterfly Lady" in Maryland, she held a special place in her heart for butterflies, particularly the monarch, and was surrounded by her many flowers. Ramona Louise Hoth lived a life brimming with kindness, passion, and interesting pursuits. She touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love, learning, and service will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her. Ramona is survived by her three sons, Rick (Donna) Schmudlach of Centuria, WI, Randy (Sandy) Schmudlach of Denver, CO, and Ron (Deb) Schmudlach of West Des Moines. She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, Eric (Jen) Schmudlach, Laura (Dave) Nielsen, Kelly (Dan) Rogers, Adam Schmudlach, Amy Schmudlach, and Emma Schmudlach, and the great-grandmother of nine, Avery, Alivia, Connor, and Jordyn Nielsen, Alex and Willa Rogers, Emery, Kenley, and Kalli Schmudlach. Ramona was preceded in death by her parents and her only brother, Wayne Tennell.