Ramona Lee Hines

Ramona Lee Hines, 94, passed away March 18, 2026, in Berrien Springs, after a brief illness.

Born February 17, 1932, in Hinsdale, Illinois, Ramona grew up in nearby Downers Grove. Her parents were Raymond and Viola (Abner) Crubaugh. A beautiful person inside and out, Ramona was a top student and cheerleader at Downers Grove high school, where she was crowned school princess. Musically, Ramona embraced classical violin, earning a top spot in the Chicagoland West Suburban Symphony. As a young woman she worked at various offices in downtown Chicago. After taking time off to raise a family, she began working as an assistant to Kay Boydston, the founder of Fernwood Botanic Garden. She would describe Fernwood as “the right job at the right time,” especially since she loved nature and gardening. As one of the earlier staff members, Ramona was on the ground floor as Fernwood blossomed into the showplace it is today. She retired in 1992 after 22 years at Fernwood. But Ramona found her most rewarding vocation being a wife and mother, at which she excelled. On September 30, 1950, she married Richard Hines, who passed away March 22, 2016. Ramona lovingly cared for Richard while he suffered through a long illness in his later years.

She is survived by her sons, Chad (Mary), Richard (Rosalie) and a grandson, Travis Lee Hines---all of whom loved her dearly. Also surviving are five great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ronald, son Mitchell Mark, two grandsons, and a great-granddaughter.

She attended Berrien Center Bible Church regularly since the 1960’s, where she sang in the choir, and more recently attended First Baptist Church in Berrien Springs. Ramona was a lady of grace and dignity whose loving kindness and generosity knew no bounds. She will be missed by her family for a time until they are reunited in the Eternal Kingdom.

Services will be private. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 214 N. Kimmel St., Berrien Springs 49103, Berrien Center Bible Church, 8830 M-140, Berrien Center MI 49102, or to Fernwood Botanic Garden, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles MI 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, Michigan.