Ronna Jean Bigknife

Ronna Quinn Parrish Bigknife, a woman whose strength, kindness, and boundless love touched all who knew her, passed peacefully into the arms of the Heavenly Father, reuniting with her beloved family and many cherished canine companions.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Ronna was the devoted daughter of Ronald and Jean Quinn. She was a proud graduate of Ruskin Heights High School, where she began forming the fierce, generous spirit that would define her life.

Ronna married her first husband, Larry Parrish, and together they built a life in rural Kansas, raising two sons and living in several small towns, including Pleasant Grove, Holcomb, and Tribune. In 1984, she married Mike Bigknife, and the couple settled in Wichita, where Ronna continued to grow both personally and professionally.

Over the years, Ronna worked in a variety of roles—from a local printing press to a unit secretary at St. Francis Hospital—before finding her long-term professional home at Boeing Aerospace Company. There, she served as a Procurement Officer for more than 30 years. True to her determined nature, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Friends University while working full-time, and later retired from Spirit AeroSystems.

Ronna had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, who were constant companions throughout her life. Yet, it was the spirit of the wolf that called to her most—a symbol of her independence, loyalty, and fierce protectiveness. If it would have been legal, she would have welcomed a wolf into her home without hesitation.

A gifted and creative soul, Ronna was a master seamstress. Her love was stitched into every tutu, dress, stuffed animal, and matching outfit she made for her children and grandchildren. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she selflessly sewed hundreds of face masks for those in need. Equally accomplished in the kitchen, Ronna was known for her legendary homemade chicken and noodles, French silk pie, Italian cheesecake, and chocolate chip applesauce cookies—recipes that will continue to warm the hearts and homes of her family for years to come.

Ronna’s spirit of service shone brightly through her involvement with the Women’s Auxiliary of the Wichita Inter-Tribal Warrior Society. Through volunteering and participating in cultural events, she deepened her spirituality and forged lifelong friendships that enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

Above all, Ronna had a rare gift for making others feel like family. Whether she was caring for someone or being cared for, she never let anyone leave her presence without feeling seen, valued, and loved.

Ronna is now reunited in peace with her parents, Ronald and Jean Quinn; her brother, Buddy; her sister, Jerri Brewster; and her husband, Mike Bigknife. She is undoubtedly surrounded by the joyful chaos of the many dogs who loved her just as fiercely as she loved them.

She is survived by her two sons: Ryan Parrish and his life partner Erica (with grandchildren Saoirse and Quinlin), and Marc Parrish and his wife Sarah (with grandchildren Anna and Bennett); her loving sisters, Marsha Quinn and Joy Knight (husband Bill Knight); and countless friends and extended family who were blessed to know her.

Ronna’s life was a tapestry of strength, compassion, and unshakable love. Her presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A visitation for Ronna will be held at 9 AM on Thursday, July 31 at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64133. A memorial service will follow at 10 AM.

A memorial service for Ronna will be held on Saturday, August 23 at West Side United Methodist Church, 1313 W. Lydia St. Wichita, KS 67213. Coffee and pastries will be served at 10 AM, followed by a memorial service at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Humane Society at the link below.