Longtime Lawrence resident, Ronnie Lana, 80, died peacefully at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Center on 7/11/13. The visitation will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14th. Services will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Monday, July 15th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery. Ronnie was born in Checotah, OK on June 21, 1933 to Chester and Cosette Shastid. She graduated from Checotah High School as Valedictorian of the class of 1951, graduated from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, OK in 1954 with an Elementary Education teaching degree, and did graduate work in Education at the University of Kansas. Ronnie married Jerry D. Chaffin in February of 1953 and had two children, Cris and Rhonda. They divorced. She married Henry Lana on September 27, 1979. She is survived by her husband, Henry Lana of Lawrence; her son, Cris (Lea) Chaffin of Lawrence; her daughter Rhonda (Brent Morrison) Chaffin of Lawrence; her husband’s children; Henry A. (Heather) Lana of Tulsa, OK; Larry (Janet) Lana of Oklahoma City; Donna Scott of Loveland, Co; and Judy (Mark) Denny of Lawrence. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, niece, nephews, and her Pioneer Ridge family. She is preceded in death by her father, mother, 2 brothers, sister, niece, and daughter-in-law. Ronnie taught 1st and 2nd grades in El Paso, TX and Derby, KS for a number of years. She was a devoted mother and wife. She had a special gift for making holiday traditions and memories for family events which she loved. Ronnie always made a special effort to make every activity fun and inclusive for everyone. She was a perfectionist in all that she did, but did not expect it of others (unless she was wallpapering). She was a gifted seamstress, artist, cook, and loved camping and fishing. Ronnie loved music and taught herself how to play the piano. She was a gifted singer and, typically had a song on her lips as she went about her day. Ronnie was a Christian and relied on her faith through good times and bad. We are especially grateful to the staff of Grace Hospice and her Pioneer Ridge family for the amazing care they provided to her. Condolences may be sent at Rumsey-yost.com.
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Dear Rhonda and Cris,
I just learned this am of your mothers passing and was so sorry to hear this. I have many great memories of times we used to share on 65th St. in Shawnee. Am keeping all the family in my prayers as you go thru this sad time.
Saddened to learn of the passing of a very nice lady. We send our condolences to the family. Frank and Edna
Rhonda:
Just read your mother’s obit. What an amazing woman! Her caring heart and beauty live on in you as you are a wonderful social worker and share your mom’s good looks. May you and your family find peace and healing as you grieve the loss of your mom.
Lanell