Ronda Kay Spiroff

Ronda Kay Spiroff, 55, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on October 17th, 2025. Born on July 24, 1970, in Duluth, Minnesota, she was the youngest daughter of the late Ronald Lee and Karen Hope Bartlett.

Ronda was a beloved part of so many lives. She built a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. Through each move that came with her husband’s military career, Ronda formed lasting friendships and left a piece of her heart in every community. She raised three beautiful children with unwavering love and resilience. She was a devoted sideline supporter—cheering with heart and helping with hustle across soccer fields, hockey rinks, football stadiums, cross country trails, and cheerleading mats—drawing on her own days as a high school cheerleader to lift spirits and celebrate every moment.

Ronda graduated from Central High School in 1988 and began her studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth. In 1991, she married her husband, Trent, and together they moved to Bellingham, WA, where she earned an Associate’s degree in Nursing from Whatcom Community College in 1994. While attending school, she worked in the medical records department of a nursing home.

Later that year, Ronda and Trent moved to Salem, MA. While continuing her work in elder care, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Salem State University in 1996. That same year, they relocated to her hometown of Duluth, MN, where she went on to earn a Master’s in Education in 2001.

Upon returning to Duluth, Ronda worked in nursing homes and pediatric home health before transitioning to education. She served as a teacher at the Fond Du Lac Youth Group Home, guiding teens on the edge of the justice system with compassion, structure, and a belief in their potential. In 1997, she joined the founding team of Edison Charter School in Duluth, helping launch a new educational model during its inaugural year.

In 2000, the couple relocated to Washburn, WI, with their son Gregory. Ronda taught at Zion Lutheran Christian School in Ashland in a one-room schoolhouse setting. By her second year, her dedication helped the program grow to two classrooms of students. While in Washburn, the couple adopted their daughter, Kaylea, and later welcomed their son, Mason.

In 2004, the family moved to Puerto Rico, where Ronda devoted herself primarily to motherhood, and occasionally served as a substitute teacher at the DoDEA school on Fort Buchanan Army Base, supporting military families with warmth and flexibility.

In 2006, the family moved to Arnold, MD, where Ronda worked at a Pasadena-area elementary school. In 2007, they relocated to Eureka, CA, where she embraced the rhythms of motherhood with grace, and served as a substitute teacher where needed.

In 2009, the family settled in Suffolk, VA. Ronda first began her Virginia teaching career at Sherwood Forest Elementary in Norfolk, then moved to Churchland Academy Elementary in Portsmouth, where she taught multiple grades from 2011 to 2021. She completed her Master’s in Education Reading Specialization at Old Dominion University in 2016. She taught for a year at Olive Branch Preschool Center in Portsmouth, and in 2022 became the Reading Specialist for E.W. Chittum Elementary School.

Beyond her professional life, Ronda was known for her generosity, joy, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. She was an active member of her community, serving as a Den Mom for the Cub Scouts and supporting her sons through their Boy Scout journeys. As a Sea Scout leader, she earned membership in the Order of the Arrow, a reflection of her commitment to youth leadership, service, and Scouting values.

Ronda was also a founding member of the Lower James River Golden Retriever Club, where she supported conformation and specialty events, handled her own dog in the show ring, and extended her passion by competing in performance sports. She was always ready to lend a hand as a dedicated volunteer at trials and events.

Friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even those who had never met her in person were uplifted by her radiant spirit, sparkling personality, and unwavering kindness. She treated everyone like family and brought sunshine into every room she entered. Ronda made lifelong friends wherever she went. When she wasn’t teaching or supporting her children’s endeavors, she could be found sharing good times with her girlfriends—often with a story that made everyone laugh just a little louder.

Ronda is preceded in death by her loving parents, Ronald and Karen Bartlett. She is survived by her husband, Trent; her three children, Gregory (Gem Garcia) Spiroff, Kaylea (Conner) Brown, and Mason (Ashley Faur) Spiroff; and her two grandchildren, Charlotte and Patrick Brown. She also leaves behind her sisters, Rene (Robert) Montgomery and Tracy (Phil) Vallie, her nieces and nephews, and countless friends. She will be deeply missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor her memory by sharing the joy of reading with a child. A donation or gift of a children's book, especially one that celebrates kindness, curiosity or courage, would be a beautiful tribute to the love she gave so freely. For those unable to give a book, donations may be made to the World Literacy Foundation to support global access to reading and education: https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/

Please join us for a Celebration of Life filled with laughter, stories, and shared memories. Two gatherings will be held: one in Duluth, Minnesota on Friday, October 31, and another in Suffolk, Virginia on Saturday, November 8.

At both celebrations, guests are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy light refreshments, and reconnect with friends and family. Take time to share memories and remember her in the way she lived—with warmth, joy, and connection. After the service, we’ll continue celebrating her remarkable life together.

In keeping with her bright, cheery, and fun-loving spirit, guests are encouraged to wear vibrant colors and fun shoes. Blue, her favorite color, is especially welcome. While black is okay, she’d much rather see you in something that celebrates life—just as she always did.

Celebration of Life – Duluth, Minnesota

● Date: Friday, October 31

● Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

● Location: Peace United Church of Christ

● Address: 1111 N 11th Ave E, Duluth MN

● A service will begin at 2:00 p.m. within the celebration.

Celebration of Life – Suffolk, Virginia

● Date: Saturday, November 8

● Time: 11:00am-2:00 pm

● Location: Point Harbor Church

● Address: 2705 Taylor Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321

● A service at 12:00 noon within the celebration.