Rita Ann (Schram) Ramm

Rita Ann (Schram) Ramm

January 3, 1933 – April 16, 2024

Rita was born on January 3, 1933, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado.  Her parents were John Peter and Ella (Rothmeyer) Schram. She was the youngest of 5 children.   She described her early years as “a simple, good childhood.” Her father homesteaded in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. The home stood alone for as far as the eye could see.   Her family moved to Papillion, NE, when she was nine years old.

Rita was a registered nurse and worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the mid 1950’s. When she met Thomas (Tom) Eugene Ramm, she knew he was special.  She made sure he would not forget her when he went to California to build a business with his brother in San Diego, CA.  She wrote many letters and even boldly took a train to see him.  In her later years, she was timid about her actions, and described his reaction of surprise followed by the words “what are you doing here”? The rest as they say is history.  Tom came back to Omaha with a ring to ask for Rita’s hand in marriage. Tom often would say the ring came from a gumball machine! They married in 1957 and together raised five children.  When asked what he loved about Rita, Tom would simply say, her patience.  They were devoted and faithful to each other.  Tom passed from this life in April, 2014.

During their life together, Rita was the homemaker.  She was known for R.D.s (Rita Dinners).  For our entire childhood and beyond, 6:00 p.m. was time for supper.  She prepared and served meals which typically included meat, potatoes, salad, vegetables, and if we cleaned our plate, a fresh dessert.  Her banana cream pie was like a dream.  No one does it like she did.  That was only one of the many wonderful creations she served.  She kept a tidy home that was clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy.  She allowed her children the freedom to make mud pies, sometimes in her moss rose garden, and to go outside when it rained to build dams in the flow of the water.  As a grandmother, she would often have playdough, finger paints and trunks of clothes for dress up  She was thrilled to meet her great-granddaughter, Freya, and they enjoyed the warmth of smiling at each other.

Throughout their marriage, Rita and Tom were generous to family and friends, sharing many invitations to enjoy hospitality at their lake home.  They spent time serving meals to the hungry and serving at their church.  Rita’s faith was deep and something she shared with her husband, Tom.  As a family we prayed daily, went to church regularly and got an education in Catholic schools.  In Rita’s final days, she found great peace when praying with her children.  The Fruits of the Spirit were part of her character:  Love, Joy (she was known for her laugh), Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, Patience, and Self Control. These are values that will live on.

Rita passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 91 years old. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas “Tom” Eugene Ramm; parents, John Peter and Ella (Rothmeyer) Schram; her sisters, Josephine Schram, Sister Mary Eleanor Schram, Margaret (Schram) Pfiefer; and brother, George Schram.

She is survived by her children: Connie (Jeff) Abdo, Sally Sempek, Jerry (Vanessa) Ramm, John Ramm, and Ted (Betsy) Ramm; grandchildren: Jerry Abdo, Beth Abdo, Tom Sempek,  Tammy (James) Landholm, Drew Ramm, Jacki Ramm, Bill Ramm, Haley Ramm, Grant (Monica) Ramm, TJ (Katie) Ramm, and Rex Ramm;  great-granddaughter, Freya Joy Landholm; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

VISITATION:  Monday, April 22nd, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a VIGIL SERVICE with the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, April 23rd, 10:30 a.m., Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 20500 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery

Memorials are kindly requested  to the Stephen Center, 2723 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107