My friendship with Ronnell is one of my oldest memories. I had been moving so much before then, I was absolutely ecstatic to make a friend I could actually stay in touch with. I didn’t know then just how lucky I was. 

We met in elementary school and even then she lit up the room. Her laughter was infectious, and I’ll never forget all of the times we spent exploring the dirt lot of the playground, the endless stories we wrote together, the silly skits and choreographies made up and practiced on a whim. I still remember us on a long drive back from Disneyland, belting Disney songs late into the night to keep our driver awake. Even half asleep, Ronnell could still carry a note!

Ronnell was always creating something and obstacles rarely slowed her down. There was a time in SCPA, when Ronnell and I were on a group book project together. For the project she had created a fictional ad for an item in the book. I remember vividly her telling me that she had so much fun making it, she might want to do it for a job. So it didn’t surprise me that she not only pursued it, but excelled at it. Ronnell was just that kind of person—she worked so hard and burned so bright it made you want to try your hardest too. 

I have no words for how much I miss her, how much dimmer the world is without her. I can only hope these memories—these scant few amongst so, so many—can be of some solace to her family.

I miss you so much, Ronnell.

Romo you were such a gift to this world. You gave me my first directing credit with Twenty Teens. Your genius has truly been cut short. As an admirer of your talent and honored that got to work with you I am deeply saddened that we no longer have you in this world. My condolences to all your family and friends. 💕

Ronnell llloovvveddd Rihanna!! I had the pleasure to accompany her to a concert when Rihanna came to San Diego.
  
-Taryn

Looking back, I feel like it was fate in how all three of us met and the odds that we had kept in contact those 12 years... I'm blessed to have been in a piece of their lives and them for mine. I had a fabulous time hanging out with these two celebrating Romo's 21st birthday. To be in the presence of her and Sharlene, their dynamic was the life of the party.  I'm glad Romo had her as a bestie. 

-Taryn

I met Ronnell when I was 9yo, swimming for MLK swim team. She was such a character.  I loved her humor and her energy. How could she not be my swim bestie. Looking back, I don't remember her every being mad or sad, at least not for a long period of time. She was full of life and there was always something to laugh about. 

-Taryn

As one of her health care providers it was a sheer privilege to have Ronnell as a patient! She was the most compassionate, thankful, humble and FUNNY patient. She always asked about my day and pushed the attention away from her in order to celebrate others around her! Her family (yes you mom) and friends who supported her were so loving and nurturing to her and it was clear she had a special bond with all those that entered her life. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to know such a special person … as she has truly touched my heart forever❤️

Ronnell,

My heart is absolutely broken. I am honored to have spent so much time together growing up. I will never forget when you came up to me at honor orchestra, and asked me if I swam at Kearny because you swam at King. We always had so much fun at the meets--"Go Ronnell--beat her ::points at Amanda::" hahahahaha! Amanda, Nicole, Ellerey and I will forever cherish these times <3

Where do I begin about our time at SCPA? Countless memories in orchestra! Forever proud to be a second violin hahahah with you Kaylie and your stand partner Jess! All of the crazy times on tour, in the IMC office, backstage at our music concerts and in class with Ms. Paige!! I still want to get married to elegy, but only  the 2nd violin part like we said haha!

Remember all of those fun times at Morse swim team?? I will never EVER forget witnessing you lap someone on the 100 BK. People still don't believe me but that's how amazing of a backstroker you are. Singing "Last night" with Rocher in the showers! I know you made Celeste so proud!! AUURGHH.

And then when we started working for the city!!! How amazing to be able to coach with you. I loved being at Swanson, but I always thought it was so cool you were able to coach the team you used to swim on--I know how much you loved being a coach. Those swimmers absolutely loved you and I will forever remember the memories with you, Toi, and everyone else.

Thank you for being one my best friends forever and making me feel like a part of your family. Benilda and Ronnlee, I am praying for you and the rest of your family and am honored to have been a part of Ronnell's life. Her legacy and memory will never EVER be forgotten <3

To my sweet  friend, Romo. You brought so much light into this dark world. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be your friend. To know you, go on adventures with you and to laugh with you was the best gift I could receive. You are so loved and very missed. 

I will never forget completing two escape rooms in one day with you and the cage you got stuck in. You are a master escape artist, Romo. 

I love and miss you 

Hi Benilda,  I am very sorry to see this.  My condolences to you and your family.   -Dave Osen 

This photo was taken at the 2019 San Diego Airport Authority holiday party. From left to right are Lauren, Romo, (me, Sharon) and McKinna. Such a lovely evening with Romo and friends. Love Romo’s smile in this photo. She was beautiful inside and out. 
 

Romo out in the terminals helping to handout BEST Airport pins in 2019.

Airport, Marketing and Air Service Development Department with HR on a team building event at the Zoo in 2020. Wonderful memory with Romo and team.

She was great to work with, very creative and goal driven, with a  relaxed friendly style that put you at ease around her. One of the other things I loved about her is she spoke her mind and was very genuine. I really enjoyed brainstorming with her and I missed her when she left. 

Romo with Lauren Hannington at the 2019 Airport Holiday Party. 

My sincere condolences to the Buon-Morris family. I was getting to know Ronnell through our cancer group therapy sessions and she was such a kind soul. While I know losing Ronnell is devastating to her family and friends, I’m glad you all have access to her endless creations in the music and film world. She was taken too soon for all of us, but God must have had a plan for her. 
Wishing peace to her entire family. 

The biggest Disney fan I know and love. She always found ways to up her creative game. This was a fun project to work on with her.

Always the Galinda to her Elphaba. We were shooting an episode of Twenty Teens. Such a fun time. 

After a day of thrift shopping for costumes. We saw this sign in Skyline Dr. And decided to stop to take a picture together. 

One of private Hamilton singalong shows we did. Romo played Eliza in this song and came up with the idea that the red cape was blood. Brilliant improvisation 

Romo absolutely owning the stage while singing Schuyler sisters! Work!

Singing the Reynolds Pamphlet with the Cabinet. 

Romo could play any role and absolutely shined in the every one.

We met in swim team. She was our leader in our swim team. Ronnell was a bit faster than me but we were always the top three. She was my push to get better with my time. I know we didn’t keep in touch after but for sure I will cherish her leadership and her funny times with her in the water. Rest in peace 

Romo, you possess one of the most remarkable minds I’ve ever served alongside. 

You share your talents and joys so freely and openly, without fear, and I admire you so much for that. Thank you for your spark, your kindness, and your uncanny Romo-esque ability to make people laugh. I miss you. 

Sincerely,
Jeff

Our condolences to the bereaved family. May Ronell's soul be with the Lord in paradise...where there is no more pain and tears, instead happiness and eternal peace shall grant unto her.. Just be strong Ate Benilda, love and prayers.

I remember seeing her mustang driving around spring valley and it’d always make me smile - it was the true embodiment of her personality and I could always spot it a mile away. Like her, there was only one in the world.

She was fun, creative, unique, kind, passionate about her interests… pretty much every positive word you can think of - that was her.

Rest in peace, Romo. 

Romo and I loved talking about 90s Nickelodeon shows. We’d been rewatching old episodes of All That. She came up to visit me in LA and we took this video to try to recreate the All That intro. We laughed so hard at how close it looked to the real thing. 

We were on a mission to do as many escape rooms as we could. We were close to 100 (she could tell you exactly how many, but I lost count). She had a list of all the ones she had researched that had gotten good reviews. After an escape room, we would go out to eat Asian food, and we would de-brief and compare it to the other ones we’d done. It was tradition. She told me to keep doing escape rooms even if I had to do them without her, but only with people who are good at them :) I promised her I would.

Romo and I met Kel Mitchell from Good Burger together. We sat in the front row of his standup show and we were so excited to meet him afterward. We couldn’t stop talking about this day for a long time.

I met Romo when we did The Odd Couple together. I remember her making videos backstage that had us all laughing, trying not to be heard onstage. She had such a great sense of humor and so much talent. That show will forever be one of my favorites because of her. 

It was hard to keep a straight face with her sometimes

Romo came me to meet my kiddo Rory  in October 2021. We talked about her love thackary 🐈‍⬛ and her badass talent as a creator. Miss you girl. Sending much love your way 💕

My sincerest  sympathy to all of Romo’s family and friends. My heart goes out to you all at this very difficult time. 
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Gray 

OBITUARY

Ronnell Buan Morris

October 24, 1990 – January 31, 2023

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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