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Visalia, California

Ramona "Mona" Chadwell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 16, 2017.

Ramona Carol Roper Chadwell went home to be with the Lord May 16, 2017. Mona was born March 30, 1943 to Roy and Minnie Roper. Mona was the third of six children which included her brothers, Don, Rex and Roy "Chuck" and sisters Barbara and Sharon.

Mona and her siblings were raised in Clovis where she graduated from Clovis High School. Mona later married Nelson Chadwell and had three children, Jeff, Christine and John. While raising three children Mona earned her Bachelors degree from San Francisco State and her Masters degree in social work from Fresno State. No small feat considering she was also working full-time as supervisor with child protective services. Within months of her 2002 retirement from Tulare County Mona knew she had much more to give children in the area which is when she founded Family Builders Foster Care, Inc. The agency grew to include offices in Visalia, Fresno, Hanford and Porterrville. Although her career with the county was something she was very passionate about the opening of Family Builders lit a fire like no other. When it came to Mona wanting to add services for the children in her charge there was no stopping her determination. She truly loved what she did and as such never fully understood how many children and families she had impacted.

Mona is preceded in death by her father, Roy Roper, mother, Minnie Roper, ex-husband, Nelson Chadwell and sister, Sharon Zakrzewski. Mona is survived by her sons, Jeff and John Chadwell and daughter, Christine (Jim) Haze. She is also survived by the greatest gifts her children ever gave her who will forever miss their Nana, Kelly, Allissa, Kari, Kristi, Tanner, Kaitlyn, Ryan, Shelby, Victoria, Chloe and Jacob as well as 7 great-grandchildren with 2 more arriving soon.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, May 22nd, 10:00 am at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia followed by graveside services at Fresno Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made in Mona's name to Family Builders Foster Care tutoring program 6500 S. Mooney Blvd., Ste. B, Visalia, CA 93277

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

August 25, 2017

Christine Chadwell-Haze

Lynn,
Thank you for sharing! I"m so sorry you had to find out of mom's passing this way. She was definitely a strong believer and I know she's in a great place now, pain free and continuing to watch over all of us.

August 24, 2017

Friend

Lynn Dowell

August 24, 2017. I had a dream last night I was at gathering of people who had all worked together at the Tulare Dept of Social Services. Mona arrived and came and kissed each of us on the cheek then I woke. This morning I had to search and discover Mona had passed in May. This has been a very moving experience and wanted to share it. I hope this is a good platform to reach others who knew her. She was a strong believer.

June 7, 2017

The staff of CARF International send their sincere condolences.

May 22, 2017

Nancy Tenhet

It was a true privilege to work for and with Mona. She was gracious in every way. She was dedicated to all the children in her care. Always accessible, no matter where she was. She is and will be missed.
Nancy Tenhet, Foster Parent. Family Builders Foster Care, Inc.

May 22, 2017

NANCY TENHET

A new angel has entered heaven.Rest with the angels Mona.

May 22, 2017

Beth Wilshire

My condolences to Mona's family. I had the privilege of working with her for several years and have always been impressed by her compassion and caring for children. She will be missed.

May 21, 2017

Margie Diaz

I was so Blessed to be by Mona's side as she started her legacy with Family Builders!! I could still remember it now, she was so happy to introduce me to all the Spanish speaking foster parents at a picnic as "meet my new receptionist, she speaks Spanish"!!! She wanted nothing more but to be able to communicate with them all! Little did Mona know I wasn't fluent but we sure got by just fine! Working for Mona for over 5 years was a life lesson for me! She showed me to be compassionate with others, always put your heart in the work that you do and most importantly, give as if that was your own family in need! Mona had a way with making sure the children in her care was always priority! After the many years of working side by side with Mona we shared a special bond.. she cared for me as Family as I did her!! I will cherish our time together and mostly the life lessons she taught me!! Mona u have made this World so much Greater with u in it!! Rest in paradise! Xoxo

May 19, 2017

Margaret Johnston

I worked with Mona for many years at Tulare County CPS. She definitely had a passion for our kids. I'm sorry to hear of her passing... God bless...

May 19, 2017

Christine

Mom
You will truly be missed by so many. I'm proud to be your daughter and of all the things you were able to accomplish with your life. I love you

May 19, 2017

Francia Webb

We are sad to learn of Mona's death. We have known her for years. She put her heart into her work.

May 19, 2017

Esmer Espinoza

Mona I will never forget our goals that we had for these children. Our personal conversations, meetings & agency gatherings showed her true love. I will definitely miss her so much! I wish I would have known of her illness. I left her a message on Monday 5/15/17 worried about her, cuz that wasn't like her not to be present at monthly meeting. Come to read it in newspaper the Wednesday morning. I was devastated!!! I will never forget you Mona FamilyBuilders will never be the same. Love from a Foster parent

May 18, 2017

Robert Dawson

My first conversations with Mona did not go well. I was with another agency and we were on opposite sides of a situation. 6 years later I was looking to get back into this field and was afraid to apply with Family Builders. She called me in for an interview and I was nervous that she would remember that situation. She did and it was the first thing she brought up, but she told me that she was impressed with how well I handled it and we moved on. After a 2 hour interview with me talking her ear off, I was hired on the spot and from that point on she mentored me and my excitement to recruit awesome homes. She took the time to listen to all my ideas and trusted me to move forward with most of them. I am going to miss our conversations and your ability mentor me.

May 18, 2017

Jennifer Kearney

The world has lost a wonderful woman and Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Mona, thank you for giving me a chance and taking me under your wing to develop me into the social worker that I am today. You have touched so many lives in a loving way and have made such a powerful impact on the children and families you served. Your focus was always on the families and our community. I will miss your smile, your soft laugh, your witty comments and most of all your outlook. You always saw the good in people. Please rest easy Mona, we will miss you with heavy hearts.

May 17, 2017

Jennifer Kearney

The world has lost a wonderful woman and Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Mona, thank you for giving me a chance and taking me under your wing to develop me into the social worker that I am today. You have touched so many lives in a loving way and have made such a powerful impact on the children and families you served. Your focus was always on the families and our community. I will miss your smile, your soft laugh, your witty comments and most of all your outlook. You always saw the good in people. Please rest easy Mona, we will miss you with heavy hearts.

May 16, 2017

Student

Joni Carrasco

One of the most influential mentors in my professional life passed over today. You taught me to ask some of the most important clinical questions. Resilient through the adversity, you challenged me to be better than I ever thought I could be. You believed in me even when I was in doubt. I miss our talks that always left me with a pearl of your wisdom. Thank you for everything. You showed us all a life well lived and made this world a better place with your presence.

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Memorial Events
for Ramona "Mona" Chadwell

May

22

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Miller Memorial Chapel

1120 West Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291

May

22

Graveside service

Fresno Memorial Gardens

CA

Funeral services provided by:

Miller Memorial Chapel

1120 West Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291

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