Ramona couple loses everything in house fire
Maurice and Margie Stroda, 3485 Quail Creek, Ramona, suffered the devastating loss of their home to fire March 31.
Margie was lying in bed that morning when she heard the doorbell ring. It rang longer than usual, then quit.
The incident aroused her curiosity. She rose and went into the kitchen, where husband Maurice commented about smoke in the air. When the couple looked out to the sun room, they saw fire.
Margie quickly tried to call 911, but the phone didn't work. Dressed only in night clothes and socks, she jumped into the car and drove a mile and a half into Ramona to call for help.
By the time she returned to the house, it was filled with smoke and fire, and she was unable to get in. Maurice and the family dog were outside. They all took refuge in the family car.
It wasn't long before the yard was filled with fire trucks and firefighters from surrounding areas.
The Strodas moved their car to the road to get out of the way. There was nothing for them to do but watch their home go up in flames.
After a while, their daughter Jane, who lives in Ramona, took them to town. Maurice, 77, who suffers from poor health, later was taken to a hospital emergency room to be treated for stress and shock.
Fortunately, the Strodas have a mobile home in Ramona, so they have a place to stay.
Margie said the community provided them with food and clothes and the Red Cross brought vouchers for supplies they lost in the fire including medications and eye glasses.
She said her biggest disappointment is losing sentimental items she acquired from relatives.
The Strodas have eight children, including Jane and a son, Art, who lives with them. They have 14 grandchildren.
Many family members gathered Wednesday evening at their trailer to offer support. Several grandchildren came from as far as Kansas City.
The Strodas had no house insurance and don't know what they will do next.
"It will be a family decision," Margie said.
The couple moved into the home after their marriage in 1948 and lived there for almost 56 years.
"Everything is changed now," she said.
A granddaughter was 14 years old the day of the fire, and Margie celebrated her 74th birthday Friday.
"What a way to celebrate!" she lamented.
According to Ramona fire chief Ron Cheever, the department received the call about the fire at 8 or 8:15 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the home's east side was engulfed in flames.
Herington, Tampa, Hope, Lost Springs, and Lincolnville fire departments soon arrived on the scene. Agri-Producers and Cow Camp Ranch also assisted by supplying water.
The home and two vehicles were completely destroyed in the blaze.
Cheevers expressed appreciation to everyone who helped, including Tampa ambulance, Ramona first responders, Sunflower Chapter of the American Red Cross, and sheriff's dispatchers.
A fire marshal at the scene Thursday morning had not determined the cause of the blaze.
Although their basic needs have been met, the Strodas are in need of cash. Monetary donations are being accepted at Pilsen State Bank in Lincolnville, where they will be deposited in a checking account in the Strodas' name.
