Ramona Chavanne
Ramona Chavanne, 86, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Austin, Texas. She was born on October 28, 1938, to Petra Saldana Suarez and Librado Flores in Beaumont. To see what life meant to her as a young girl, a wife, mother, and grandmother, and how she shaped our lives takes seeing through the lens of a person who never gave up on life. Having grown up in a very modest household and as the big sister to five younger brothers, she grew up as a caretaker in every sense of the word. Responsibility and commitment of caring for her siblings was second nature and became so deeply ingrained that it became an instinctive part of her character. To understand this love and care was not always understood by her brothers but the person that cherished it the most was her husband, our dad, Louis. They met in their junior and high school years and married shortly thereafter. To have grown up by parents that deeply loved one another was and is the best gift.
Ramona loved to cook and would wash the dishes by hand, did the laundry in a manner that would seem unrealistic to many, but she was content and never complained. Going to the grocery store may have been her favorite past-time. She also loved spending time with her best friend Jennie whom she met working at a children’s boutique clothing store. After they both retired, they would spend countless hours at Starbucks, Rao’s Bakery and going out and about all around Beaumont. She was grateful for her life and that gratefulness and humble life she lived is yet another gift they both gave together.
She always had a positive can-do attitude which took the form of resilience, which we now understand, in her battle with Alzheimer’s. Despite this illness robbing her of her memory, she did not let it completely rob her memory of our faces, our names or parts of our lives which is testament to her strength and determination.
We would like to thank the staff at University Village Memory Care and Valerian Hospice Care where she was taken exceptionally good care of.
Survivors include her daughters, Christine Clay (Jim) of Lago Vista and Cat Chavanne of Austin; grandsons, Dylan Clay (Maria Andrea) and Liam Stoeckelmann; 2 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Louis Ray Chavanne; baby daughter, Brenda Kay Chavanne; parents, Librado Flores, Petra and Alex Suarez; brothers, Lee Flores, Alex Roy Suarez, Robert Suarez, Allen Suarez and Larry Suarez.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087.
A gathering of Mrs. Chavanne’s family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m., with her memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- October 25, 2025
- 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- October 25, 2025
- 3:00 pm
She was the Mona Lisa of beauty. Mona was the buffer between her mom and our mom ! Sisters always bickering about something. Kinda like hens in the pen. Mona was the peace keeper and greatly loved by our family during family gatherings. From Mike and myself our condolences and lots of love to your families.
So sorry for the loss of Mona. She was a dear friend to me all through high school and was a part of our ‘58 girls luncheons each month until she moved to Austin. I miss her friendship and sweet smile. Praying for the family.
Lynda Crabbe
Chris and Cathy,
I am heartbroken to hear of your sweet mother’s passing. It was a true blessing when our family moved next door to the Chavanne’s over 50 years ago. The vault of precious memories is priceless! Things that I recall about Ms. Mona is how she was always on the go but never to busy to stop and have those wonderful neighbor conversations standing between our two driveways. She was a lady of great life wisdom. I learned a lot from her stories. She had a way of bringing sunshine and hope to even the gloomiest of days. Ms. Mona was a great friend to her neighbors and always eager to lend a helping hand. She will always be a special part of the McBryde family story. I will continue to pray for God’s comfort and peace to your sweet families.
Cat & Christine, So very sorry. Suzette and I loved your mom. We had such fun at GiGi’s! Sorry I can not be there Saturday but yall are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris & Cathy,
We are truly sorry to hear about your mother. We have such sweet memories of our “Travis Drive Family”. The Chavanne family welcomed the McBrydes into the neighborhood in 1970 and have remained treasured friends for many years. Both your parents were dearly loved by all. Continued prayers for you & your family.
Chris, so sorry to read of the loss of your mother. My love and prayers are with you and your family!!
am so sorry Chris. She was a wonderful lady and my parents loved her dearly. Blessings from all of the Saldana’s.
So long old friend. Tell your best friend Gail Mitchell hello when you get to heaven. I treasure those memories of you and Lou coming out to Gail’s and my house to visit.
George
Chris. My sympathy in the loss of your Mother. I remember her coming to First Security Bank downtown to see you. She was friendly and had a beautiful smile.
I worked with Mona and Jennie at ABC. I sure loved your mom. She was a very special lady. I will miss her. Sending my prayers and sympathy to all her family.
Ckhristine and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Ramona. She was a very sweet lady. A long time FHS classmate who would go out to eat with the 58 ladies classmates on the Tuesday each month when she could. They were neighbors of my dear dad Bob Bobbitt and Fern for many years. She will be missed by everyone who knew her and loved her. A sweet beautiful lady. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Aline (Bobbitt) Haas Broussard
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to to the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Mona’s passing. She was very special to me. Mona served in my house party when I got married. I will always have such love and fond memories of her. May you all find comfort in knowing that she is with God, and one day you see her again.
Chris and Jim,
So sorry to read this. From being with Eddie I remember your Mom and the sweet person she was. Prayers of comfort for all.
Cathy and Chris, hearing about your mom’s passing brought back so many memories from our childhood. She was such a wonderful person and a big part of my memories of our childhood! I’m deeply sorry for your loss and am holding you close in my thoughts I loved Miss Mona.
Christine and Cathy: the McBryde family (Leger’s, Tanksley’s……children/grandchildren/greats) are heartbroken over the loss of Ms. Mona. She and Mr. Lou were wonderful next-door neighbors to our Mama and Daddy and were loved dearly by all of us “McBryde’s”. We are wrapping you and your families in hugs, love and prayers. May sweet memories bring you peace during this difficult time.
Chris, I am so sorry to hear this news! My prayers are with you and Cathy and the family in this sorrowful time. I will be out of town but know I’m thinking about you and I loved Mona sooooo much, she was a 2nd mom to me ❤️❤️😘