Ramona J. Powless-Carlson, 95, passed away peacefully at Anna John Nursing Home on February 20, 2025. She was born in Cass Lake, Minnesota, on July 12, 1929, to Merville Powless (Oneida) and Jessie Snow (Red Lake Ojibwe). She was later raised by Merville and Adeline Powless.

Ramona spent her early childhood raised by her father and in an orphanage with her brother and sister until their father remarried.

She trained at a secretarial school in Milwaukee, WI and worked for a newspaper and many manufacturing companies. She also worked as an au pair for several wealthy families. Ramona had lived in many cities, including Milwaukee, Chicago, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Dallas, and San Francisco.

Ramona was always very popular, and she loved to entertain friends and family who loved her dearly. She worked for her younger brother as he started several businesses focused on environmental recycling and manufacturing for Native American tribes throughout the country. Ramona was very well loved by all the tribes she came in contact with, including the Oneida Nation.

Ramona retired in Southern Wisconsin, with her husband Stew Carlson, on a beautiful lake. After Stew's passing, Ramona moved to the Oneida Reservation where she met and made many new friends. Her final days were spent in the Anna John Residence Center where she received excellent care until her passing.

She is survived by her sisters, Dr. Donna (Dave) Powless Grignon and Shirley (Robin) Moore (deceased); her brothers, David Powless, Lloyd (Darlene) Powless and Ron (Shirley) Powless (deceased); and by her cousins Kathy Hughes, Barb Dixon, and Dottie Krull. She is further survived by her nieces, Darnel Powless, Crystal Powless, Rami Hoaglin, Kenew Tucker, and Jane Wagner; her nephews, John Powless, Grant Powless, Doug Powless, Cameron Cunningham and Shawn Cunninham; and many other family and friends whom she loved dearly.

Friends and family may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth Street, for visitation from 10:00 am until the time of funeral service at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Oneida Hymn Singers will begin at 11:30 am.

Her father told her, "There is no Oneida word for death. There is just those who have gone on ahead of us."