Ramona A. Mayer
May 9, 1929 - July 2, 2014

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ramona Ann Mayer Scholarship Fund at the University of Iowa Foundation, Iowa City, IA; or to a charity of choice.


Ramona A. Mayer died on July 2, 2014 at her residence in Columbus, Ohio. She was born May 9, 1929 in St. Benedict, IA to William and Esther Mayer. She became ill with tuberculosis in 1949 and for four years underwent treatments in the sanatorium at Oakdale, IA. Then new therapies included complete bed rest on 'the porches' and multiple rounds of experimental drugs. As part of her rehabilitation she took courses at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1956. Following graduation, she moved to Columbus and was employed by Battelle Memorial Institute. A source of pride for her was project work for NASA on the first space flights when she commuted to Houston, TX to observe astronauts in training. Her work enabled the development of freeze-dried foods for use in space, and other health and safety measures affecting life after reentry. She traveled to Russia, France, and Switzerland to participate in international space meetings. She became a sought-after researcher at Battelle in the field of information science. Her attention to detail lead to her assignment as head of quality control in the Biological Sciences Department where work included the testing of cancer treatment drugs for FDA approval. She was instrumental in establishing quality assurance departments at Battelle's various national and international laboratories, which included frequent trips to Germany. After retiring from Battelle in 1991, Ramona served as a volunteer at Riverside Hospital accumulating over 7800 hours, mostly at the Emergency Room desk. Ramona was the volunteer bookkeeper at the Saint Thomas More Newman Center from its earliest days until the mid '80s. She was an avid golfer, bridge player, crafted beautiful needlework, and thoroughly enjoyed the occasional martini.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jane (Robert) Cooper, Los Angeles, CA. Ramona is survived by her brother, Robert Mayer, sister, Stella Eischen, Algona, IA, and thirteen nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church in St. Benedict with inurnment at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery.

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