Ramona "Rae" Davison

Ramona "Rae" Davison passed away on July 3, 2024, at the age of 97. Born on July 1, 1927, in Ogemaw, Arkansas, to Garland Ethridge and Ruth Roberta Upton-Ethridge, Ramona's life was a testament to unwavering love, kindness, and resilience.
As a child, her family moved to Fordyce, Arkansas, where her father worked at the mill. Ramona often reminisced about her wonderful childhood, fondly recalling how her easy-going father would always defer to her mother when asked for permission to do something. One treasured memory she fondly shared involved her one and only spanking from her Dad. At around five years old, she ran all over the house crying for sugar biscuits. Despite being asked multiple times to stop, her father eventually gave her a light switching with a branch from a bush, only to get a thorn in his hand. He told her it hurt him more than it hurt her and never switched her again. This memory exemplified the loving and compassionate environment in which she was raised.
She shared an interest in fashion with her sister, and their mother would sew clothes that Ramona designed from photos in magazines given to them by a neighbor who sold them. She also had a passion for interior design and enjoyed decorating the homes she and her family lived in.
Ramona attended Fordyce Junior High and High School during the trying times of World War II. Her first cousin, Bud Ethridge, served alongside his friend Vyrle Davison. Bud shared a picture of Ramona with Vyrle, who was immediately taken by her. They began writing to each other during the war. Shortly after her 1945 graduation from Fordyce High School, she married U.S. Sergeant Vyrle Reed Davison on March 13, 1945. Together, they built a large family with seven children. She was a devoted wife and wonderful mother to her children. She and Vyrle remained together until his passing in May 1980.
Ramona spent her Golden Years with her family, spending time with her kids and grandchildren, attending dances and concerts with close friends, and hosting family at her home. She was also a faithful and cherished member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings, from teaching classes to being the Relief Society President.
Known to all her loved ones as "Mema," Ramona's warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love made her a central figure in the lives of her family and friends. Her 96 grandchildren were her world, and she was anticipating the arrival of four more before the year’s end. She adored each one of them and was deeply involved in their lives.
Ramona's life was devoted to her family and to the Lord Jesus Christ. She graced the lives of all who knew her with beauty, generosity, and kindness. We are all blessed to have known her, and our lives are richer because of her loving and compassionate heart.
Ramona is preceded in death by her husband Vyrle Davison; her parents Garland and Ruth Ethridge; her sons Paul Davison and Ted Davison; her daughter Paula Davison Blankenship and her husband Bobby Blankenship of Conroe, TX; and Bill Taylor of Sandy, Utah. She is also preceded by her siblings Otis Gladston Ethridge of Fordyce, Billy Joe Ethridge of Fayetteville, AR, Opal Reid Ethridge of Bearden, AR, and her sister Josephine Ethridge-Trussell of Fordyce, AR, along with several grandchildren who passed well before their time.
Ramona leaves behind Kathy & Mike Teague of Bearden, AR, Jerry and Randy Behrmann of Kansas City, MO, Dave and Melinda Davison of Bearden, AR, and Rodger and Nancy Davison of Bruceville, TX. She also leaves a host of grandchildren and friends who will forever cherish her memory and whose lives have been forever touched by her love.
Service Information: The graveside service is set for Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Salem Cemetery, Old Salem Rd. (Oua. Rd. 83), Bearden, Arkansas.