Ramona Rea Thurman, 83, of Cadet died March 5, 2026, in St. Louis. Mrs. Thurman worked at Lawson Animal Hospital for many years and often stayed to volunteer after her shift ended. She loved family gatherings, spending time with her children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren and her animals. She will be remembered for her warmth, gentleness and quiet strength. Born Nov. 22, 1942, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Grady Hoyle Bennett and Virginia Mildred (Watson) Bennett.
She was preceded in death by her husband: James R. Thurman Jr.
She is survived by a son: Mitchell Thurman of Cadet; a daughter: Grady (Donald) Benz of St. Louis; a brother: Robert (Mary) Bennett of Eureka; a sister: Norma Jean Shelton of Tennessee; 10 grandchildren; two great‑grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a son: James R. (Donna) Thurman III; a sister: Barbara Gayle Barton; and two grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until a funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, at Mahn Funeral Home, 900 N. Main St. in De Soto. Burial will be in Daugherty Cemetery in Cadet. Memorials may be made to Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, 63110, or online at hsmo.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.