Ramona Sandrock died June 24, 2026. She was born on August 24, 1945, to Francis and Esther Inman Miller. She was a proud member of the Dallas City High School Class of 1963, maintaining many treasured friendships with her classmates throughout life.
Following high school, Ramona attended Illinois State University before earning her Legal Secretary Certificate from Gem City Business College in Quincy, Illinois. She later continued her education, earning an Associate’s Degree from Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa.
Ramona began her professional career as a legal secretary with the law firm Johnson, Phelan, Tucker & Skewes, where she worked for ten years. Her dedication to her profession earned her recognition as Lee County Legal Secretary of the Year. She also served as president of the Iowa Association of Legal Secretaries and, in 1991, was inducted into the Iowa Association of Legal Secretaries Hall of Fame.
Following her divorce, Ramona demonstrated remarkable strength and determination as a single mother during a time when that path was far less common. Needing to provide something more for her daughters, she accepted a position as Administrative Assistant at the Iowa State Penitentiary, where she served eight different wardens over the course of 24 years, before retiring in 2007.
Retirement never slowed Ramona down. She was blessed with an incredible circle of friends whom she considered family, and her calendar was always full. Whether it was game days, card clubs, or Friday night happy hours, she cherished every opportunity to laugh and spend time with the people she loved. She enjoyed playing bridge, euchre, mahjong, and just about any game that brought people together.
Ramona loved being outdoors-except during winter months- and found great joy in traveling, especially anywhere she could feel the warmth of the sun and hear the sound of the waves. She created treasured memories on the beaches of Florida and Mexico; as well as along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Among her happiest places was the Lake of the Ozarks, where she spent many memorable years with family and friends.
She was an active member of P.E.O. Chapter NI and the Burlington Eagles Club #150. When she would take time to stay home, she loved tending to her flowers, even after downsizing to an apartment. Her flower-filled patio was admired by anyone who visited.
Ramona loved God. She was a long-time member of Union Presbyterian Church in Fort Madison, and in recent years First Presbyterian Church in Burlington. She faithfully served as both elder and deacon and found a particular joy in music. She sang in the church choir and occasionally substituted as the organist.
Above all else, Ramona’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured her role as a mother, but nothing compared to the pride she felt as “Grandma”. She adored her four grandsons and attended as many activities as possible. Her enthusiastic support made her a familiar and beloved face among other families, and she never missed an opportunity to brag about her grandchildren to anyone willing to listen. She would gladly give a piece of herself to bring happiness to those she loved.
Ramona lived with enthusiasm, generosity, and courage. Even in the face of recent hardships, she remained fiercely independent, optimistic, and determined to embrace each day with grace. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, friendship, laughter, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.
She will be deeply missed by her two daughters; Sundi Glasgow and her husband Adam; and his children Maddy Glasgow, Emmy Glasgow and Aiden Glasgow and Kelli Johnson and her husband Greg; grandchildren, Matthew (Jennie) Seabold, Maxwell (Scarlett Gruener) Johnson, Riggin (Lillian Keller) Simpson, Nolan (Macy McGinity) Simpson and great grandson Milo Seabold.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Ronnie Miller.
A short memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 10th at the Burlington Eagles #150. A celebration of life will follow the service until 8:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends.
Memorials have been established for the Special Needs Foundation and the Burlington Eagles Aerie #150.