Ramona Ann (Temple) Mangus, of Balsam, N.C., died after a lengthy bout with cancer on Friday, August 4, 2017, at Morningstar Assisted Living in Sylva, N.C. She was 43. Ramona was born on October 30, 1973, in Cruso, N.C. She attended Bethel Elementary School, Bethel Junior High School and Pisgah Senior High School. She was married to David Mangus and had four children, Marshal Dewey Temple, 25, Dustin Mangus, 22, Heather Mangus, 20 and Jeremy Mangus, 18. Ramona previously worked at Starbucks at the Harris Hospital in Sylva, as well as the after-school program at Smokey Mountain High School, and at Aztec PJ’s and Mountain Country Store, among other places—all where she left her mark. A unique soul, Ramona was full of life and laughter, even despite her sickness. She constantly put other people before herself, modeling a life of compassion and generosity. Even as Ramona’s disease progressed, the love of God shone through her as she consistently cared for her family, fellow patients and caregivers. Everywhere she went, she left a shining light. She was such a true hearted person. She loved EVERYONE that she met. She always saw the good in them, rather than the worst. She had no judgment. She always encouraged people to thrive and to do their best. She was an encourager. She left people with a hope to be a better person, and to help others do the same. She had such a servant heart. Our family is grieving the loss of such a young, beautiful woman. She will be greatly missed. Ramona is survived by her children; her parents, Hilery and La Marr Temple, of Cruso; her siblings, Shannon (Larry) Baker of Reading, Pa.; Amanda Temple, of Waynesville, N.C.; Adam Temple, of Cruso; Seth Temple, of Clyde, N.C., Enos Andy Temple, of Canton, N.C.; Rachel (Robin) Meredith, of Greer, S.C., and Emily (Tim) Strong, of Smithfield, N.C.; nieces and nephews, Hannah Baker, Allen West, Nikki West, Sarah Temple, Taylor Meredith, Melanie Meredith, Haley Meredith, Dylan Strong, Simeon Strong, Savannah Strong, and Giovanni Strong; plus many cousins, aunts and uncles. She was predeceased by a sister, Sarah Temple, who passed away in 1974. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Balsam Baptist Church, State Rd 1701, Sylva, N.C. 28779, on Friday, August 11 at 11 a.m. The family requests those who come to consider wearing pink to what Ramona wanted to be a very uplifting celebration. Memorial donations may be made in Ramona’s name to a GoFundMe account, https://www.gofundme.com/everybody-loves-ramona.

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