Ramona Lynn Young

Ramona Lynn Young was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on October 21, 1963, a daughter of the late Patricia Catherine (Skrapka) Dodd and of the late Raymond Lawrence Dodd. On Friday, May 8, 2026, she met her savior while surrounded by her family in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ramona spent most of her childhood in the Del City area and graduated from Del City High School, where she was proudly crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year. She pursued her calling in education with dedication and joy. She earned her Associate of Arts in Child Development from Rose State College in 1984, then completed her Bachelor of Science in Family Relations and Child Development at Oklahoma State University in 1985. She continued her studies at the University of Tulsa from 1985 to 1986, earning certifications in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, along with special endorsements. Her passion for serving children led her to Northeastern State University, where she received her master’s degree in Elementary School Counseling in 1989 and her Certification in Elementary Administration in 1992. Her lifelong love of learning shaped her career and touched the hearts of countless students, families, and colleagues. While at OSU, Ramona worked as the lead for the Stillwater Area YMCA After School Program. It was there she met the love of her life, Bryan Young. After a bit of persistence, Bryan convinced her to go on a date, and the two quickly became inseparable. They married on June 8th, 1985. From 1985 to 2001, they made their home in Tulsa, and then Owasso. After welcoming their three daughters Katy, Gail Lynn, and Remy, they decided to move closer to Bryan’s family. In 2001, they built their dream home with a wrap-around porch north of Collinsville where they have lived ever since. Ramona devoted 30 years to nurturing and guiding students in several Oklahoma school communities. She was at Glenpool Public Schools from 1989 to 1995, where she did her student teaching, was a Physical Education teacher, and later the Middle School Counselor. Ramona continued her counseling work at Oologah Public Schools, serving as an Elementary Counselor from 1995 to 2001. Her love for the classroom eventually brought her back to teaching at Collinsville Public Schools, where she taught 1st grade from 2001 to 2010 and 2nd grade from 2010 until her retirement in 2016. Throughout her career, Ramona touched the lives of students, families, and coworkers with her compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment to children. Even after retiring, Ramona continued to pour love into others. She became a caretaker for her in laws, the late Fern and Jack Young, serving them with tenderness and devotion. She combined her love of teaching and fitness at the Owasso Area YMCA by becoming an exercise instructor, leading many classes and forming deep friendships along the way. She also led senior adult workout classes at First Baptist Church of Collinsville, where encouraging others became her new ministry. She cherished the people in her classes, celebrating monthly birthdays and creating a warm, welcoming community. Ramona had a rare gift. She could make anyone feel special, cared for, and loved all at once. Ramona’s greatest joy was her family. Her husband, her daughters, her sons in law, and her soon to arrive grandson were her whole heart. She was constantly sharing about them and their accomplishments, and spending time with them. She loved traveling, planning trips, making memories with the people she held dear, and the joy of Christmas. There was always at least one fully decorated tree in her home with Christmas lights glowing year-round. She was an advocate for those with disabilities. Ramona also really loved dogs and cats. Ramona received many awards and honors during her life and was always an active volunteer in schools, the community and her Church. Ramona also enjoyed running and competed in 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons around Oklahoma. Above all else, she was a woman of deep faith who loved the Lord with all her heart. Ramona is survived by her husband, Bryan Edward Young; her daughters Kathryn Young, Gail Neal and husband Konner Neal, and Remington Muly and husband Isaac Muly. If you talked to Ramona recently, you also knew the love she held for her future grandson, Bennett Willard Neal, arriving in October 2026. She is also survived by her sisters Karla Lesko and husband George Lesko, and Rhonda Stringer and husband Ed Stringer, brother-in-Law Russell Young and wife Mary Young and brother-in-Law John Coen along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family & friends who she loved dearly. Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 15 2026, at First Baptist Church in Collinsville. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com So many people have asked how they can honor Ramona’s memory. In lieu of flowers, we would love for friends and family to consider making a donation to a charity of your choice, or joining our family in creating lasting memorials in her honor. We are currently working toward placing a tribute bench at the Tulsa Zoo and having a commemorative brick engraved at the Owasso YMCA — two places that held special meaning to her and our family.

Ramona Lynn Young

October 21, 1963 - May 8, 2026