Ramona Lacey

Stanley

Ramona Ruth Peterson was born on the family farm near Sanish, North Dakota, on September 23, 1929, to Elgin and Celia (Benson) Peterson. She graduated from Sanish High School in 1947 and then attended beauty school in Fargo, North Dakota. Ramona used her skills for many years to cut and style hair for family members, friends, and residents of the New Town Nursing Home.

On October 17, 1948, Ramona married John Lacey at her parents’ home. Aside from a brief period living in California, they made their home in the Sanish and New Town area, where they raised their family. John passed away in 2005, but Ramona remained an active member of the New Town community until she purchased a home in Stanley in 2018. In May 2024, she moved into Rosen Place Assisted Living in Stanley; she formed new friendships with residents, and staff members who became her “honorary grandchildren.”

Ramona was affectionately known to many as “the Doughnut Lady” because of her generosity in sharing her delicious doughnuts with the staff of various local businesses in New Town and later in Stanley. In addition to her famous doughnuts, she also baked a variety of treats, including cream puffs, pies, bars, cinnamon and caramel rolls, and dozens of buns.

She enjoyed playing card games such as whist and pinochle and was a dedicated member of the Tuesday afternoon bridge group. Ramona was also a member of the Lakeside Senior Citizens in New Town and Bethel Lutheran Church. An avid reader, she always kept a book on the table next to her chair. She had a playful spirit and loved to tease people, often accompanied by a wicked twinkle in her eye.

On Monday, July 7, 2025, Ramona Lacey, age 95, passed away at the Stanley hospital. Ramona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; and brothers, Eugene and Jack Peterson.

Ramona is survived by her children, Joyce Hanson, Minot, ND; Kathie (Mark) Hauge, Vancouver, WA; and Michael (Cheryl) Lacey, New Town, ND; grandchildren, Julie (Scott) Ladner, Luke Hanson, Matthew (Tiffany) Hauge, Paul (Kara) Hauge, Kevin (Perla) Hauge, Jennifer (Jerry) Neset, Teri (Lance) Ostdahl; sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; sister-in-law, Lilly Peterson of Stanley; niece, Penny (Tim) Solberg and nephews, Jeff Peterson, Leroy Peterson, and Charlie (Anne) Peterson.

Funeral: Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, New Town

Interment: New Town Cemetery, New Town

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bethel Lutheran Church, PO Box 237, New Town, ND 58763; Mountrail Bethel Employee Council, PO Box 700, Stanley, ND 58784; or a charity of your choice.

(Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall www.langhansfuneralhome.com)

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 17, 2025.