DOWNEY - Ramona Wall Shanks, a longtime special needs teacher, passed away March 12 at age 98.She was born Sept. 7, 1912, in Findlay, Ill., and was the last surviving among eight siblings. She was a graduate of Eureka College and began teaching in 1933. In 1941, she moved to California and became a longtime resident of Downey, where she and her husband owned a number of small businesses. She continued to teach, focusing on children with special needs. In retirement, she traveled the country to see her family. In 2002, she moved to The Place at Merrit Island, Fla., where she spent her final years reaching out to fellow residents and sharing stories of her life. She was a longtime member of Downey Memorial Christian Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald H. Shanks, who died in 1999, and her son, Dr. Ronald D. Shanks, who died in 2006. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lynn Shanks; five grandchildren, Sean Shanks, Thea Yates, Ryan Shanks, Alex Shanks and Todd Shanks; eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family members. A graveside service will be held March 19 at 2 p.m. prior to interment at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.

********** Published: March 17, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 48