Ramon Glen Crouch

June 11, 1924 - November 27, 2020

Ramon Glen Crouch, 96, of Redlands, CA passed away and entered eternal peace on the afternoon of Nov. 27, 2020 following a period of declining health. Ramon was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the first and only son of the late Leon Anthony Crouch and Margaret Mary Crouch. “Ray” as he was known by many was always happy, enjoyed life to its fullest, and always wanted the best for everyone. He was an honest and hard-working man, a role model to his family and peers. Ray started working at a young age delivering newspapers. Later in High School he would work before and after school at a camera shop developing film. This became a hobby for him and he built a darkroom in his first basement home and another in Redlands where he would develop numerous family photos. Many of his children and grandchildren also enjoy photography. Some of Ramon's favorite memories in High School were playing sports, singing with the Glee Club, performing with the Drama Club, but especially the Thursday night dances that he and his Mom would host. Ray could really take over the dance floor. His Mom would play the piano and Ray, his sisters, and friends would enjoy dancing, eating popcorn and sipping coca-cola. When war was declared and Ray heard that many of his friends were being drafted, he enlisted in the Army. Ray was the radioman up front with the 6th Infantry Battery B of the 51st Field Artillery Battalion. Ray would first serve in New Guinea, then the Philippines, and finally a brief service in Korea before returning home to Pocatello, Idaho to see his family after 2 ½ years overseas. Ray was awarded the bronze star. It was after returning from overseas that he met the “love of his life”. Beverly LaRue Criss was in nurse's training and his buddy Reed had set him up with a blind date. It only lasted 30 minutes because she was on call at the hospital and got called back. Ray persevered and called the next day and asked if she would like to see the movie they missed the night before and dinner afterwards. She said, “Yes!” That was November 23, 1946. Each month on the 23rd he would give her a small gift and then on July 23, 1948 they would marry at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pocatello, Idaho. Early in his career Ray worked for Karst Freightlines and it was there that he would begin to become more involved with accounting. So to learn more he went to night school on the GI Bill. Ray continued his accounting career at Westvaco Chemical Plant, Western Express, Universal Milling, and Dave Tucker & Associates. At Dave Tucker & Associates he would begin working with computers and he would continue this love of computers for the rest of his life. Ramon always stressed the importance of education and learning new things. One of his bosses got him interested in the stock market and once he wasn't living paycheck to paycheck he would invest in individual stocks. He took finance and investing classes at night at Redlands High School. He passed along his knowledge to others. His daughter, Jan, and her friend Sooz wanted to take a night class on plants. All 3 attended these classes together and that started his love for gardening, starting his own plants, and building a greenhouse in the backyard. Ray donated many plants to the Redlands Horticultural Society's plant yard, to family, and to friends. Ray later would once again take night classes to learn to play piano. He bought a keyboard and enjoyed playing many of his favorite songs. Ray got a lot of help from his great grandchildren. They would love to play along with him! Ray was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and the Redlands Horticultural Improvement Society. He and LaRue volunteered for several years with Meals On Wheels. Ramon was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Beverly LaRue, an older sister, Arlene Marie, and two younger sisters, Patricia Ann and Barbara Jean. Ramon is survived by his youngest sister, Mary Lea. Ramon also leaves behind his four children and their spouses, Michael Crouch (Randy), Jan Hawkins (Jim), Marisa Crouch (Dale), and Carolyn Miller (Steve). Also surviving are his 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Sara Gutierrez (Xavier), Jennifer Barnthouse (Ricky), Julia Crouch (Sarah), Evan Crouch (Monica), and Deva Hetrick (Evan). Ramon also leaves behind 11 great grandchildren. Ramon's family meant the world to him. He loved them all deeply and each and every one of them brought him so much pride and happiness. Because of the present circumstances with COVID-19, services will be postponed until a later time at the Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors where he will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, LaRue. Also, at a future date, the family will have a celebration of life at the beach in Carlsbad for both Ramon and LaRue. Those interested may sign their condolences on the Cortner Chapel website. (https://www.cortnerchapel.com) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ramon's memory to any local charity of your choice that is helping your community during these unprecedented times.