Ramona Jakubik McCall's Obituary
Ramona Jakubik McCall passed on to the next chapter of her eternal journey peacefully on July 2, 2026 at the age of 95. Her parents were Henry and Olga Jakubik (born Lesikar) of Seaton, TX in eastern Bell County. They owned a farm and also ran the local grocery store in the community while raising a family. It was March, 3rd, 1931 when Mona graced their world as she did many others in the years to come. The second from the youngest of seven siblings, she spent her formative years growing up in the country where family and friends were always welcome for Sunday dinner and conversations were a mix of Czech and English.
Having grown up "on the farm" during the Great Depression and World War II Mona often shared countless memories of a simpler way of life that was filled with joy despite the struggles faced by many. Family, community and an
appreciation of nature found growing up in the country were things she treasured. She held these things close to her heart throughout her life.
Her formal education began in a decades old four-room school house about a mile from the family farm. Even into her 80's she would always make a point to visit the school when the annual family reunions were held nearby as it is where fond memories and a drive to always keep learning were instilled in her. It was a value she instilled in her children John Jr., James and Jud. Almost every Saturday when they were young, "The three J's" as she often called them, were taken to the local public library by Mom and Dad. It mattered not so much what they were reading as long as they were reading and expanding their minds. In the late 1990's, she learned her way around the internet. It was as if a new world had been discovered as far as she was concerned. A wealth of information was at her finger tips, and friends and family were now only a few key strokes away. Well into her later years, it was one of the gifts of modern life she truly appreciated.
After attending Temple Junior College, Mona "moved to the big city" as some relatives recounted. She arrived in Dallas in the early 1950's. She soon got a job working for Lone Star Gas Company in the billing department. At times, Mona and her co-workers would eat lunch at their desks so they could spend their lunch hour window shopping the stores and shops of Main St. and Commerce St. in bustling downtown Dallas. For Mona, it was a world quite different from where she grew up, and one filled with new possibilities and new friends. However, for decades to come she would always want visit with family and friends in Seaton quite often.
After living in Dallas a few years, she met her loving and devoted husband John Knox McCall. They were married in 1957 and bought a house on the east side of Dallas near White Rock Lake. Together, they nurtured their sons as their family grew. To the best of their ability, both Mona and John gave their sons what they needed and more whether that be material goods, support or a bit of guidance. However, they also intentionally taught their sons to work hard, solve their own problems and be self-reliant. In addition to her sons, Mona was one of the neighborhood moms who helped to raise and keep watch over the many good-natured but overly adventurous boys that ran wild in the neighborhood and nearby parks.
Beyond her family, her neighbors and her books, if you ask anybody that knew Mona what her favorite hobby was, they would say gardening. She was not a botanist or professional horticulturalist, but she could give them a run for their money when it came to growing plants in Texas. Any given year there were seemingly hundreds of different species thriving in her garden and flower beds. In addition, where there was space or a bit of needed shade, one would find an assortment of pots, coffee cans, buckets and whatever else she could find to give a plant a home. As the saying goes, "You could take the girl out of the country, but not the country out of the girl." Beyond her own yard, she could identify almost every tree, insect and bird that she crossed paths with. Well into her 80's, weather permitting; she spent time most evenings in her yard and garden. Winters were spent tilling the soil, prepping the beds and pouring over seed catalogs in anticipation of spring. Summers were spent battling the heat and insects seeking her plants. Short of a few weeds and poison ivy she never met a plant she did not like, want to cultivate and watch grow as she grew with it.
Throughout her life, Ramona Jakubik McCall had quite a journey on this earth. While never one to travel extensively, she did move through history and around the globe through her books and her ties to family and friends. She appreciated that we all have a story, and that each of our stories is filled with many chapters. With her passing, another chapter in her story has closed. As the years rolled by, many she held dear passed on before her, and now with great joy she is reunited with them.
She is preceded in death by her husband John Knox Sr. and her eldest son John Knox Jr. She is survived by sons James, Judson and wife Kim. In addition, there are many cousins, nephew and nieces she cherished knowing over the years. She appreciated them all as individuals, but she also always saw in them a bit of those she had shared her early life with in Bell County, TX.
Per her wishes, after decades of separation, her earthly remains will be placed at Restland Cemetery alongside her husband John Sr. and her son John Jr. . A Celebration Of Life memorial will be held this fall on the eastern shores of White Rock Lake. It is the time of year when she always said the sunsets were the most beautiful. Throughout her life others helped her along the way, and she in turn helped others as well. In lieu of flowers or cards, she wishes for those she knew and loved to do something kind or helpful for a friend, a family member or a stranger as they make their own journey through the chapters of their own story of life.
What’s your fondest memory of Ramona?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ramona?
Share a story where Ramona's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ramona you’ll never forget.
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