Cirila Tousley

It is with deep sadness that the family of Maria Cirila Tousley, 83, of Lamoni, Iowa, announces her passing on March 1, 2023. Cirila left her earthly home surrounded by her loving family.

Cirila was born on July 9, 1939 in Santiago de la Paz, Honduras, Central America to Santos & Micaela Alberto. At the age of 20, she married José Jesús Ramos with whom she had seven children. In 1969, upon the death of her husband, Cirila was left with the daunting task of raising six children, ranging in age from one to nine, with a seventh child on the way. With the tremendous love and dedication of a caring mother, she took on the responsibility with grit and grace. She often told the story of missionaries from the United States offering to adopt three of her children to lessen her burden, a proposition she flatly refused. Cirila often didn’t know how she would care for her children from one day to the next, but she had faith that God would provide.

Cirila cared for her family by working at various jobs. These included cooking for field workers, janitor, dental assistant, and washing laundry. She also worked as a midwife, a skill she was proud to have learned from her dear friend, Christena Turner, who ran the La Buena Fe Clinic, and who became a grandmother to her children.

Cirila was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1971. She was introduced to the church by missionaries who served in her community. Cirila was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ her whole life, and never shied away from the opportunity to witness of God’s love and mercy.

On November 11, 1972, Cirila married Kenneth Willis Tousley. She met him during one of his missionary trips to Honduras. Ken fell in love with her and her children. Together they had one daughter. In 1974, Cirila & Ken brought their young family from Honduras to Lamoni, Iowa, in order to give the children a greater opportunity for success and happiness. Upon her marriage to Ken, Cirila became a stepmother to his four adult daughters who happily welcomed his new family. In 1980, Cirila & Ken’s large family grew even more when they adopted Cirila’s 12-year-old cousin, Hector.

Raising a large family was a struggle, but Ken & Cirila filled their home with love and faith in the Lord. In order to make ends meet, Cirila worked outside the home. With only a third-grade education and speaking very little English, she earned a nurse’s aide degree and worked as a caregiver at the Lamoni Manor Nursing Home. She also worked part time as a housekeeper. Though tiny in stature, she ably did these physically demanding jobs. Cirila was an exemplary employee, showing compassion and patience toward those in her care. She was not afraid of hard work.

Though Cirila was employed full time, loving and caring for her family at home was her priority. She sewed, baked, canned, gardened, and stretched a tight budget to prepare quality meals for her large brood. Her tortillas, tamales, homemade pizza, and bread are legendary among family and friends.

Cirila put her family’s needs ahead of her own. She always made sure her family was fed before she ate. Cirila’s influence on her family cannot be overstated. She was their example of a life well lived, their guide, and the glue that will always hold the family together.

In her later years, Cirila was able to enjoy the fruits of her labor, as her children loved and doted on her. She enjoyed every minute of it. Precious memories were made on trips to Honduras, Hawaii, Colorado, and Disney World. She loved getting her hair & nails done and being taken out to eat. She also enjoyed sewing, embroidering, gardening, fishing, and taking long walks.

Cirila was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Jose Ramos and Ken Tousley; her stepdaughters, Lois Spurgeon, Joanna Tousley-Escalante, and Linda Finch; and her brothers, Florentino Alberto and Francisco Alberto.

She is survived by her sister, Eva Alberto; brother, Isabel Alberto; stepdaughter, Karen Hutchinson & husband, Dave (and their children, Jeff & Rebecca); daughter, Teodolinda Ramos, (her children Carlos & Ashley and their father Indalecio Hernandez); daughter, Marta Beal & husband, Troy (and their son Warren); daughter, María Cummings & husband Gregg (and their children Tasha & husband, Alain, and Álora); daughter, Ada Ramos & husband, Elbie (and their children, Megan, Jonathan, Jordan, Matthew, Madison, & Mitchell and their families); son, Orlando Ramos & wife, Melissa (and their children, Ellen and Osiris); son, Hector Hernandez & wife, Deysi (and their daughter, Amy); son, Orban Ramos; daughter, Carmen Ramos, & special friend, Jon Hand; daughter, Kenya Tousley-Kenny & husband, Mark (and their children Morgan, Garrett, Trevin, Megan, Mallory, Madelyn, & Mia); step-grandchildren, Laura, Wendy, Noel, Jeannette, Sonya, Jared, and their families; several great-grandchildren; and Anita, her beloved dog and companion.

Cirila lived a full life as a devoted wife, mother, and servant of Christ. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. She was the embodiment of love, compassion, and faith.

Funeral services will be held at Lamoni Community of Christ Church in Lamoni, Iowa on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Lillie Cemetery, north of Lamoni. Arrangements were through the Slade – O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa.

Memorials will be accepted to offset the costs of medical & funeral expenses. They may be sent via Venmo @CirilaTousleyMemorials OR at American State Bank, 801 East Main Street, Lamoni, Iowa 50140.