Ramona May Raincloud Breshears

Ramona May Raincloud Breshears, 81, of Billings, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Friday, April 12, 2019, at the loving home of her daughter, Roberta Breshears Frigon. Ramona was born in Whitehall, on Nov. 20, 1937, to Phyllis and Edward Raincloud. Ramona became deaf due to German Measles at the age of 17 months old. She attended the Great Falls School for the Deaf and Blind from 1944 until her graduation in June, 1957.

While in Great Falls, Ramona worked in a bank, and then married the love of her life, Bob Breshears, on Nov. 30, 1957. Ramona and Bob, also deaf, lived and raised their four children (and 10 grandchildren) in Billings. Ramona had a great work ethic. She worked at McDonalds with her daughter Roberta, and was awarded employee of the month and employee of the year. She was an accomplished seamstress and worked for Step'n Out Formal Wear and Vangie's Alterations. She also taught sign language classes at Eastern Montana College (MSU Billings) and Night Owls for 22 years. Ramona, being a dedicated Christian (along with husband Bob), brought the word of Jesus to many family and friends. Ramona taught Sunday School for the deaf and hearing impaired for 30 years at Emmanuel Baptist Church. While attending EBC, she also performed her Christmas songs in sign language for over 20 years of Christmas theatrical performances. Ramona was also an accomplished athlete. From the ages of 30 to age 52, she was a softball pitcher in the Women's Softball League. She could always be counted on to hit a very needed home run. Ramona was a teammate with her two daughters, Roberta Breshears Frigon and Jacqueline Nahrgang; sister Penny Jensen-Haynes; and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Breshears. Ramona received many softball awards including State MVP as a pitcher. Other teams would taunt her pitching, not knowing she was deaf.

Ramona was also active in various organizations as a member of the National Association of the Deaf, Montana Association of the Deaf in Great Falls, and a member of the Beartooth Association of the Deaf in Billings. Ramona also participated in many of the Deaf Bowling tournaments that led to Ramona receiving many Bowling awards.

Ramona would brighten any room she entered with her beaming big smile and bright blue eyes. Any person that Ramona met became an instant friend!

Ramona is survived by son Clayton (Marilyn) and grandchildren Kyle Breshears and Jenna (Richard) Buksch; daughter Roberta (Mike) Breshears Frigon and grandchildren Joshua Frigon and Caleb (fiancée Destiny Long) Frigon; son Brett Breshears (Denise) and grandchildren Cassandra Breshears, Logan (Kaylynn) Breshears, Jordan Breshears, and Jared Breshears; and daughter Jacqueline (John) Nahrgang and grandchildren Ryley Nahrgang and Cade Nahrgang; brother Fred Jensen; sister Penny (Jon) Jensen-Haynes; and sister Patricia Harkness; as well as numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

Ramona was preceded in death by the love of her life, husband Bob Breshears; parents Phyllis and Chester Jensen, and Edward Raincloud; and brother Bobby Raincloud.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Stillwater Hospice of Montana for the in-home care and compassion they shared with Ramona.

Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 328 Shiloh Road, with burial services at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 1721 Central Ave, with a reception to follow at the church. Pastor Paul Jones will officiate.