Memorial services for Hannalesa Aggen Roney, 89, Lawrence, were held Saturday Aug. 20, 2011 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, with the Rev. Dr. Peter A. Luckey officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Mrs. Roney died Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, after a brief stay at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was a resident of The Arbor at Brandon Woods at Alvamar, where she had lived since July, 2009.
She was born June 6, 1922, in Norderney, Germany, the youngest daughter of Julius and Johanna Aggen. The Aggen family emigrated to the United States in 1925, and settled in Liberty, Mo. where she attended grade school and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School.
Mrs. Roney moved to Concordia, Kan. in 1966 where she and her husband operated the Cloud 9 Drive-In, the Sigma I and the Brown Grand movie theaters. She was instrumental in securing recognition of the Brown Grand Theater on the National Historic Register, and was a founding member of the Board of Directors that oversaw the renovation of the opera house. In 1971, she opened her own antique store, the General Store, and operated it for the next 25 years.
Mrs. Roney enjoyed reading, music, and antiquing. She had a deep and abiding faith, lived a long and interesting life, had a very kind heart, was loved deeply by many, and will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched.
She married Jack L. Roney on June 10, 1943. Together they shared 66 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on July 11, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Erich and Julius.
Survivors include two daughters and their families, Laurie Roney Blaha and husband Paul and children Sam, Seth, and Silas, Benton, Kan., and Marlesa Roney and Vern Hillsman, Lawrence; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time on Saturday.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Brown Grand Theater or the Concordia Baptist Church, in care of the funeral home, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Laurie & Marlesa,
I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. May the LORD comfort you and yours in this time of great pain and sorrow.
Dear Marlesa and Laurie,
What a tribute to your mother as well as your father…such wonderful memories from all of your friends. The messages we read here illustrate the great impact that they had on others. We always saw the success they had raising you.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Jim and Nancy Hamblin
Dear Laurie and Marlesa, My sincere condolences go out to you and your families on the passing of your mother. She was a loving and kind lady. I have such fond memories of working with all of you at the Brown Grand Theatre. May God comfort you during this very difficult time. God bless…Pam
Dear Marlesa and Laurie, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was a very kind and friendly lady. I have great memories of both her and your dad and the wonderful times at the Brown Grand. I will keep you in my prayers during this sad time. Kim.
To Hannalesa’s family:
We want to pass along our sympathies to you and to tell you of our affection for your mother, as well as for your father. They sort of monitored us through the onset of our antique business, giving us support and much good advice.
We knew them also from church days. Hannalesa was exactly what her well-written obit noted she was–a strong Christian and true friend. May God bless all of you.
Clark and Marie Talley
Concordia
i am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. our memories will remind us of what a wonderful woman your mother was. with all my love, deb
Dear Marlesa and Laurie, I sorry to hear about your Mother. Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Roney Family from the whole Anderson family.
Dear Marlesa and Laurie, My condolences on the loss of your mother. She was such a gracious woman. I fondly remember the times spent at the theater and the early days when you lived across the street from us on 14th. Wishing you the blessings of wonderful memories and the peace of knowing they are reunited now.
Laurie & Marlesa-
Your mom and dad were both very special people in my life. Your mom had such an incredible spirit and she brightened every room and conversation I ever remember.
Your dad was a mentor, encourager, and a friend when this geeky little kid got into TV production and Jack was along with me or beside me most of the way. Loved his stories and never could master his art of reading children’s stories backwards.
Don’t get back to Concordia too often, but always have such fond memories everytime I drive past the house, the shop, or the theatres!
I was blessed to have them in my life! I pray God’s peace and comfort with your mom’s passing!
Eric
I helped take care of your Dad and Mother while they were at Mount Joesph.
May they both rest in peace. She was a special lady, and I miss her wonderful sense of humor and her smile.
God Bless you and your family.
Laurie & Marlesa- I am saddened to hear of your Mother’s passing. Memories of her are cherished. She was my first boss and such an inspiration and role model. Her work ethic, her words of encouragement and learning will never be forgotten. I hope you find comfort in your memories as well. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marlesa and Laurie, Your mother was a great lady. What she and your Dad offered to us as children and young adults of the community will never be forgotten. One of the things about Concordia that I am most proud is the Brown Grand. The matinees, the concerts, performing on stage and working as a crew member of the comunity theater. You are the living legacy of your parents and they will be watching over each of you from heaven from now. Remember the smiles, laughter and joy that they shared with you.
May God bless you and your families,
Lesta Bell Feldkamp
Laurie & Marlesa,
Are thoughts and prayers go out to you both for your loss. Your Mom was a special lady. She always made us feel special when we were in your house or she was helping out at the church. Remember to hold on to the good memories and let all the others be replaced by those thoughts. God is good and He will provide you with peace and comfort.
Ken & Peg Johnson
I took care of your mother when she was at MT Joseph and remember her sense of humor and was touched by your dad’s devotion to her.
Laurie & Marlesa, so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom was an awesome lady and I so enjoyed visiting with her over the years that I have known all of you. She will be greatly missed. I can remember that we gave her some grief over our high school years but she was a good sport. Love, Jane
Dear Marlesa and Laurie, Your mom and dad were extremely instrumental in my growing up during the teenage years. My work ethic was and still is because of them. We had so many wonderful times together. You and Laurie were my second family. Your mom was a wonderful and patient woman, with a heart of gold. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. I will never forget her. With all my love…. Sue
Marlesa, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow, and as you celebrate your mother’s life.