Maximina Ramos-Medina

Maximina Ramos-Medina, 93, of Columbia, South Carolina, died on August 7, 2026. Born on March 10, 1933, in Villalba, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Juan Diaz and Rufina Rivera.

Maximina shared 75 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Heriberto Ramos-Medina. As a young wife and mother, she came to the United States with her husband during his military career. Arriving with limited knowledge of the English language, Maximina built a life for her family through determination, courage, and hard work. She lovingly raised her daughters in addition to pursuing her own education, eventually graduating from cosmetology school. She was the proud owner of Maxine’s Beauty Shop until her retirement.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother she found her greatest joy in the family she and Heriberto built together. Her life was marked by a deep devotion to those she loved, and the strength and perseverance she demonstrated throughout her life will remain an enduring example for generations of her family.

Maximina was a faithful member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, where she was a member of the choir. She was an active and cherished member of Columbia’s Hispanic community and enjoyed the fellowship of the military wives’ community at Fort Jackson. In her leisure time, she loved playing bingo and dominoes, and she treasured her annual visits home to Puerto Rico. She also had a special love for gardening and roses.

In addition to her husband, Heriberto, Maximina is survived by her daughters, Carmen Rodriguez (Tony), Ivette Medina (Ralph), Nilda Trapp (Gene), Roura Bartsch (Kenny), Elizabeth Ramos, Magda Ramos and Anadeliz Ramos James; her grandchildren, Maribel Rosado, Julio Rosado, Inette Eby (Michael), Anthony Medina (Lisa), Jeanette Ball (Christopher), Reyna Perry (Josh), John Trapp, Jeremy Trapp (Kelly), Daniel Bartsch, and Christian Bartsch (Abigail); her siblings, Juanito Diaz, Chito Diaz, Roberto Diaz, Manuelito Diaz and Nin Diaz; as well as her great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, Maximina was preceded in death by her grandsons, Joseph Bartsch and Jovanny Rosado, her brothers Isaias Diaz and Jose Diaz, and her sister Lydia Diaz.

A Rosary will be held from 5 o'clock until 5:30 o'clock on Monday, August 17, 2026, with a visitation following until 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 o’clock on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at 11 o’clock Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road Columbia, SC.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.