Sylvia Ramirez

Sylvia Laura Ramirez, 77, of Waco was called to be in God’s loving and eternal arms, as she passed suddenly and peacefully on October 10, 2024.

The visitation and Rosary will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on October 30, 2024 at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on October 31, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Louis Catholic Church. Christian burial will occur at Waco Memorial Park.

Sylvia was born on April 26, 1947 in Waco, TX. Her father, Sgt. Manuel Ramirez who was in the US Army during World War II met his future bride, Virginia Ponti at a USO dance in Livorno, Italy following the American liberation. Sylvia was the first born of their matrimonial union.

Sylvia attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and graduated from Reicher Catholic High School in the graduating class of 1965. She went to pursue a business certificate in bookkeeping at Four C College. She worked at Barnes Lumber Company, Waco Marlin Credit Union, McLennan Community College, Hillcrest, Central Freight Lines, Providence Medical Equipment and at various retail shops including her final employment at the Shoe Dept.

Sylvia was quite a character as those who knew her affectionately called her “Sly.” She was spunky, sassy, classy, energetic and full of life, and she loved to dance anywhere and everywhere, even on top of tables! This earned her the nickname, the Dancing Queen. This was especially true whenever musicians would play “When The Saints Go Marching In.”

Being in fashion was also her style, and she knew how to dress for all occasions particularly during the holidays, from Thanksgiving and Christmas to St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July and especially Halloween. She had an array of costumes for all the seasons, and she relished dressing in whatever outfit or character she portrayed.

Sly was also strong-willed and opinionated and had no fear in speaking her mind or reinforcing her beliefs. This included her life-long support for the military, police and firefighters as well as supporting Catholic pro-life causes. She was also an avid fan of the Texas Longhorns which she often referred to as “The University!” and would often display the Longhorns sign and yell “Hook ‘Em!”, even in front of opposing fans.

Sylvia loved to spend time with her daughter, Elizabeth and son-in-law, Steven, and she often went with them on vacations, concerts, shopping destinations or just driving around the Waco area. She especially liked seeing them perform with the Waco Community Band and Waco Jazz Orchestra. She was the number one fan of these groups, and she would yell, “Bravo!” and express her love and appreciation at the end of their concerts. She also liked eating out and especially drinking coffee which she consumed morning, noon and even before going to bed! She also loved elephants and collected various items with elephants on them.

Sylvia also loved visiting her favorite uncle, Ike, which she affectionately called, “Unk” along with his family. She and her sister, Virginia (Dondy) also went to events together including traveling to Jamaica. On two occasions, she had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Italy to visit her relatives and even went to the home where her mother grew up.

She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church since its founding and always made it a point to attend Mass every weekend. She devoted herself to daily prayer and reciting the Rosary. Sylvia was also kind and generous and liked to help those who were in need. She also encouraged others to be responsible, to persevere, to be the best they can be and to believe in themselves.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel M. Ramirez and Virginia Ponti Ramirez; brother, Michael A. Ramirez; grandparents, Miguel and Silveria Ramirez and Alfredo and Virginia Ponti; uncle, Umberto Ponti; aunts, Bea Moore and Gloria Garcia; along with several cousins.

She is survived by her sister, Virginia I. Ramirez; daughter,, Elizabeth and husband, Steven Scheifley; uncle, Isaac Joe Ramirez; aunt, Nicla Ponti; along with many cousins including Andrea, Barbara and Francesca from Italy.

Pallbearers will be Joey Bechtel, Jason Crouch, Michael De Leon, Omar Gonzalez, Donald Horton, Mark Lesso, Emiliano Merino, Zack Poling and Brian Scheifley. Honorary Pallbearers are Tommy Allbritton, Timothy Flynn, Deacon Greg George, Ralph Gonzalez, Lanny Nye, Isaac Joe Ramirez, Max Tooker and Chris Traylor.

The family would like to thank everyone for their outgoing support, kind words, condolences, cards, pictures, food, flowers and especially prayers. We also appreciate Vidal De Leon and OakCrest funeral home for their wonderful assistance at this great time of loss. In lieu of flowers, if you choose, donations in Sylvia’s memory can be made to Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic High School at https://bishoplouisreichercatholicschool-bloom.kindful.com/ and select Fostering Saints – Tuition Assistance, or to 40 Days For Life at https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/donate.aspx.

Sylvia would want this to be a celebration of life! She would love for all attendees to please wear bright, joyous and festive colors.