Ramona Mageo's Obituary
Ramona Leasiolagi Betham Mageo was born on October 27, 1942, in the village of Fagatogo on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa.
Ramona was the eldest of many siblings and became a second mother to those around her. From a young age, she carried the mantle of caretaker… leading, and looking after her
younger brothers and sisters with a deep sense of duty and affection. She was the steady rock of her family, the one they leaned on, and the heart that held them together.
As a young woman, she met the love of her life, Filiva’a Mageo of Pago Pago, while selling ice cream on the beach… he would serenade her with his ukulele, planting the seeds of a life long love story.
Ramona and Filiva’a were married in 1963, she waitressed at Duke’s Waikiki to help support their growing family while Filiva’a pursued his education at the University of Hawai‘i and were blessed with six amazing children, beautiful daughter in laws and the greatest grandchildren a Grandma could ask for.
A seamstress by trade in the early years of marriage, Ramona also enjoyed painting and ceramics once the family moved to Washington State in 1977. In the mid-1980s, she joined the restaurant division of AAFES, where she steadily rose through the ranks, retiring as Regional Director in El Segundo, California, in 1996.
Following retirement, Ramona and Filiva’a returned to American Samoa, where she opened her own restaurant, Kylie’s. She later returned to support the Mageo family, taking on many roles and serving faithfully wherever she was needed.
Eventually, she and Filiva’a moved back to Washington to be near their children and
grandchildren. In retirement, Ramona found great joy in spending time with her family, gardening and peaceful days on the front porch, often accompanied by Filiva’a and his ukulele. Together, they would sing the melodies of their journey, songs woven with love and perseverance.
Ramona’s garden was a living reflection of her heart… vibrant, nurturing, and full of life. Her beloved dahlias, in particular, became a favorite pastime and signature of her gentle spirit.
On May 2, 2025, Ramona passed into the arms of Jesus. Her legacy living on in the love she poured into her family, her faith, and the countless lives she touched.
She will be deeply missed… her presence, her prayers, and her unwavering love left an imprint on all of us. As a family, we are forever grateful for the gift she was and the grace she carried through every season of life.
What’s your fondest memory of Ramona?
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Describe a day with Ramona you’ll never forget.
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