Victoria Ronna

PEKIN ~ Victoria “Vicki” Ronna, 63, of Pekin, passed away peacefully at 1:45 a.m. Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Pekin Hospital, following a short but intense battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and many friends in the hours leading up to her passing.

Born May 2, 1950 in Evanston to Major Roy B. and Gwyneth (Williams) Nordheimer, she married Richard “Dick” Ronna on July 20, 1974 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ash Grove in rural Cissna Park.

Surviving are her husband, Dick; two sons, Jonathon (Shay) Ronna of Metamora and Nathan (Nikki) Ronna of Manito; one “adopted daughter”, Megan (Cy) Lystila of Peoria; six cherished grandchildren, Afton and Taiten Ronna of Metamora, Drake and Eli Ronna of Manito, and Cole and Addison Lystila of Peoria; and her constant companion, Bentley.

Her parents and one brother, Roy Nordheimer, Jr., preceded her in death.

Vicki was a 1972 graduate of Illinois State University in Normal, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She later received her Master of Arts degree in Education from St. Xavier in 1999.

Vicki began her teaching career in Milford in the fall of 1973 and following her marriage, she taught in Ridge Farm before moving to Pekin. She resumed her teaching career in Pekin Public Schools District 108 in 1975. She taught at McKinley School, Douglas School, Wilson School, and finished her long career of 35 years at L.E. Starke School. She touched many lives during her career and made many lasting friendships. Her greatest thrill was to see one of her students succeed and go on to a prosperous career.

Although school and her students were her professional life, she was also active in the community. She was a member of the Pekin Lions Club, where she served as a member of their Board of Directors for many years. In 2010, she was honored as Lion of the Year by the Pekin Lions Club. She was a member of the Pekin Hospital League, volunteering many hours at the Nearly Nu Shop as the toys person and also at the Pekin Hospital Gift Shop assisting with the Vera Bradley merchandise. Vicki was a quiet leader, not wanting to be the one in charge, but working hard to see a project through.

Vicki was a member of Celestial City Campers and enjoyed camping with the club. She, Dick, and Bentley went many places with their camper. She enjoyed travel of all kinds and they went on many cruises together. She was an avid Chicago Cubs and Illini fan. Vicki greatly enjoyed going to her sons sporting events and later to her grandson’s events. She also looked forward to her granddaughters dance recitals and practiced by going to see friend’s children’s recitals. Her grandchildren meant everything to her and she so enjoyed being with them.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2013 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin. The Rev. Daniel J. Bishop will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lions of Illinois Foundation, 2814 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178, the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614, or to the Pekin Hospital League, 600 South 13th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com