Mary Ramona Ramirez

Mary Romana Villanueva Ramirez, 83, passed away on January 22, 2026 after a short illness. Rome or Mary, as family and friends called her, was born in Bakersfield on November 3, 1942 to Paul and Frances Villanueva. She was the oldest to her three siblings, Sally Lopez, Barbara (Richard) Evans and Mike (Karen)Villanueva.

Mary attended East Bakersfield High School. She was married to Fred Ramirez and together they had three children: Freddie (Anne), Annamarie Harleston, and Francie (Mario) Marchetti; and her eight grandchildren; Ashley, Amanda, Shay, Paul, Desiree, Gemma, Sarah, and Nicholas.

Mary and Fred, prior to their divorce, raised their kids on a farm where she kept busy as a stay at home mom and as caretaker of the many chores that required her time and toughness.

Mary was a devout Catholic and considered her faith as a central part of her life. She loved spending time with her sisters, cousins, as well as her nieces and nephews. While her personality was direct and she could always “tell you how it is,” she would always smile and offer a laugh.

Mary is survived by her three siblings, her three children and their spouses and eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son in law Ronnie Harleston.

The family wishes to thank Hoffman Hospice Home for the care and compassion extended to her during her final days.

A Mass of Christian Rite will be celebrated Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10 am at Christ the King Parish, 1800 Bedford Way, Bakersfield.