Ramona Welker

Ramona Gayle (Brandenstein) Welker, 76, of Carmi, passed away at 4:05 p.m., Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Charles Ford Retirement Community in New Harmony, IN.  She was born in Posey County, IN on July 4, 1940, the daughter of Harold and Evelyn (Shoemake) Brandenstein.  Ramona married John C. "Red" Welker in April of 1959 in Shawneetown, IL.  She was a graduate of New Harmony High School and was a homemaker and clerk for Harper's Drug Store.  Ramona was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Ramona is survived by her husband of 57 years, John C. "Red" Welker of Carmi; two daughters, Tamara Anderson of New Harmony, IN and Marilyn and Michael Brauser of Mt. Vernon, IN; a son, Michael and Julie Welker of Paducah, KY; a brother, Allen Brandenstein of Carmi; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grand children.  Ramona was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Debra Hancock; two brothers, Carl Brandenstein and Gerald Brandenstein; and a son-in-law, Fred Anderson.

Funeral services for Ramona Gayle (Brandenstein) Welker, 76, of Carmi will be at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Carmi.  Burial will be in North Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Carmi.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ramona's memory to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 203 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, IL 62821 or to the Charles Ford Retirement Community, 920 Main Street, New Harmony, IN  47631 and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi.  Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is in charge of arrangements.