Ronda Hewgley

Ronda was welcomed into this world on July 5th, 1946 in Moberly, Randolph County Missouri, by her loving Parents, James Burley Willingham and Mildred Naomi Thornton Willingham.  Her Father had returned from service to his Country in World War II in the US Army Air Corps and her Mother worked as a Nurse at the hospital in Mexico, Missouri.  Ronda was the second child to James & Mildred, having been predeceased by her Sister, Connie Sue Willingham.  As a girl, Ronda was baptized in the Holy Spirit at the Middle Grove Christian Church, where she was an active member until her marriage and move to St. Charles.  At the age of 2, Ronnie as she was called, was excited and blessed to welcome into her home, a baby Brother, Donnie.  Theirs was a bond never broken in life and only separated by death.

During her youth, Ronda attended Afflick and Madison Schools, was active in her Church, became an accomplished vocalist and musician, graduated with honors from Madison and then from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville from the Music program with honors and earned her teaching accreditation.

Ronda married Nelson Edward Hewgley in the Middle Grove Church and together they moved to St. Charles where Nelson worked as a Teacher and Administrator with the Parkway School District and Ronda worked for McDonnell Douglas.  Together they were a founding family of Holy Cross and ultimately joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Orchard Farm where she held her membership until her passing.

Together, Ronda and Nelson started their family and had four children; Keith Edward, Kevin Don, Karla Rae and Kayla Suzanne.  As their children grew, they instilled in them a sense of strength from their immediate and extended families, an open commitment to their faith, involvement in sports and activities of every type, and a passion for travel on their month’s long vacations across North America.

Ronda supported and was involved with the Boys & Girls Club, IFYE, Emmaus Home, Junior Leaders, Missouri Club Congress, The Muny, the Saint Louis Symphony, St. Charles and St. Louis Children’s Chorus, Young Singers and St. Charles County Fair.  She was active with Trinity Day School, Lutheran Singles, Stephens Ministries and Adult Bible Study, Quilting Clubs and spending as much time as possible with her Gal Pals attending and supporting countless theaters, museums, art shows and musical programs across the Midwest.

As Ronda grew in her Family, Friendships and Faith, she also took on an overwhelming need to learn and share in her Native American Heritage.  She supported Cherokee Schools, outreach programs and attended spiritual programs, Pow-Wows and seldom missed the Cherokee National Holiday celebrated in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Ronda passed from this life into the arms of her Savior on August 2, 2016 while surrounded by her family and her Gal Pals.

In this life, Ronda was preceded in death by her parents, and grandparents, her sister, her grandson Alexander, her dear friend David, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ronda is survived by her four children and their spouses -Keith Hewgley and wife Sherie, Kevin Hewgley and his wife Laura, Karla Grant and her husband Brian, Kayla Tune and her husband Cooper;  grandchildren -Kristopher and his wife Melanie, Sierra, Madeline, William, Sydney, Logan, Hayden, James and Landon;  great-grandson Phineas; brother Don Willingham; niece Tara and her husband Scott; nephew Shannon and his fiancé Kristen; great-niece Delaney and great-nephew Garrett;  her cherished friend Tom; her Uncle Charles Willingham and his wife Karen; and a host of beloved cousins.