LA GRANGE | After a short, very courageous, and optimistic battle with cancer, Ramona Rose Maxwell Wilbik of the Bucklesberry Community peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Ramona was born on December 24, 1945, in Kellettville, (Forest County) Pennsylvania. She was the youngest child born to the late Willis Walter Maxwell and Marie Jane Rodgers Maxwell. The family lived in Kellettville for many generations, and it was always said that she was the very last baby born in the village. She lived in Warren, Pennsylvania, from 1947-1974, where she was educated and started her family. Ramona was a star student of the Warren Conservatory of Music and was tutored in piano by Dr. LeRoy Campbell. She was a young charter member of St. John's Lutheran Church when the congregation still met in the old Grange Hall in Lower Pleasant Township. As a young woman she loved ice skating and was quite accomplished at it. Ramona loved visits back home to Pennsylvania and especially loved family reunions. She was very proud to be a direct descendent of the famous Indian captive, Mary Jameson, "The White Woman of the Genessee River." Ramona moved to North Carolina in 1974 and has resided in Lenoir County ever since. In addition to her parents, Ramona was preceded in death by her uncle and aunt, Ross and Zella Maxwell Wood, who helped to raise her. Her husband, Joseph A. Wilbik, preceded her in death in 1992 and her daughter, Sheri Meyers Grant, preceded her in death in 2012. Ramona's brothers, B. Willis "Bud" Maxwell and Charles Robert Maxwell, beloved sister, Evelyn Maxwell Miller along with many aunts, uncles and cousins also preceded her in death. Ramona is survived by a daughter, Lisa Meyers Killette and husband, Wade of La Grange; son, Thomas Meyers of La Grange; three very beloved grandchildren, Lindsey Grant, Joshua Killette and Madison Killette, all of La Grange; her first great-grandchild due November 2, Allison Brook Watson; brother, Albert Maxwell of Kellettville, PA; two sisters-in-law, Christa Maxwell of Aberdeen, MD and Carole Maxwell of Willingboro, NJ; aunt, Leatrice Rodgers of Ridgeville, SC; her companion, Robert Braxton of La Grange; step-daughter, Laura; step-son, Daniel; her beloved dogs, Molly and Dakota; her beloved cat, Mama; and many loving and close nieces, nephews and cousins to whom she was "Aunt Monie." All of her dear friends would make a list that would fill this entire newspaper. She truly loved people. Ms. Mona was an outgoing, friendly woman to all and was truly devoted to her family. She never missed a scout meeting, sporting event, dance recital, or graduation ceremony. Ramona was a very strong willed woman and very independent. She loved to laugh and joke and have fun, but was also the firm pillar of her family with wise advice, unconditional love, and a helping hand. She wanted to be involved in everything that was going on. She loved being in the background with a smile. All one had to do was ask and she was there. She was active in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H. She was a summer group leader at Camp Birdsall Edey in the 1970's. A compassionate lady, Ramona loved animals and took in every stray that ever came to her door. Her house was always the place where the young folks and her children's friends gathered. All were always welcome. Ramona loved puzzles. She loved difficult crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles and table-sized jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed cards and a good game of Scrabble. Ramona was fond of "old time" country music. Ramona loved canoe camping trips on the Neuse River and searching for Indian arrowheads. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she went full force on it every year. Her cooking was famous and well-known. Some of her signature dishes which will be greatly missed are her bundleburgers, pigs in a blanket, Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas ham and Easter cake. For over 50 years, Ramona made large Christmas trays with her children to give to friends and loved ones. These trays were filled with dozens of homemade treats made from scratch and with love and her special gentle supervision and laughter. She loved the outdoors and took great pride in her yard, garden and flower beds. Ramona displayed a strong work ethic and never could sit still very long. She was a devout, sincere and independent Christian. Even after her children were adults, she would remind them to say their prayers. Ramona was never afraid of obstacles, illness, pettiness, meanness or troubles. She kept on and was very much loved for it by all. She was an unbending wall of motherhood and left a good example for all to follow. Her motto seemed to be "others" and she quietly went about her way to prove it. She was very giving, helpful, sharing, gentle, kind, selfless and humble by nature. People have often said there was not one mean bone in her body. We all hope that what she had faith in is now her much deserved reward. A service to celebrate and honor Ramona's life will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 7 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Mallie Hinnant officiating. Interment will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. from Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will follow each service. Online condolences may be expressed at rousefh.com. Memorials in Ramona's memory may be directed to the Lenoir County SPCA, P.O. Box 1481, Kinston, NC 28503 or to a . Arrangements have been entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Sign the guest book at Kinston.com