Ronda Rae (Reitz) Mcwilliams

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Ronda Rae Reitz McWilliams on July 26, 2024. Her life, marked by love, laughter, assertiveness, perseverance, and resilience, has left an enduring impression on all who knew her. To honor her remarkable journey and celebrate the life she led, a memorial service will be held in her honor at First Baptist Church on Saturday, August 3, 2024, visitation from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. Funeral services will begin at 4:00 P.M. with Pastor Bob Dickerson officiating.  We extend our invitation to all who knew her to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of this extraordinary woman.

Ronda was born October 13, 1952, in Edina, Missouri—the daughter of Elmer M. and I. Frances (Speer) Reitz.  Ronda grew up on a chicken farm in Kahoka, Missouri, where summers were spent driving tractors in a bikini and putting up hay.  She graduated top of her class from Clark County High School in 1970.  Ronda spent many years as an entrepreneur in farming, fabrics, and rentals.

Ronda married Kent McWilliams on April 1, 1972.  April Fool's joke on you: they were married just over 52 years ago. She will be deeply missed by all who love her and will be remembered for her strength, wit, and humor. Ronda was known for baking, pranks, and how often she lost her keys.  She once bought a device to attach to her car keys.  The device would beep when someone clapped, but she lost her hearing shortly after attaching the device to her keys.  The gargantuan flower gardens she spent beautifully maintaining were built on the backs of her lawbreaking children. Whether breaking windows or curfews, summers were spent with hard work and hauling horse manure to fertilize the garden.   She savored quality time with her children, their spouses, and grandchildren and traveling with her husband.  She relished playing card games like Uno, Rook, and Peanuts… when she won.

Her father and mother, Elmer and Frances Reitz, nephew, Mark Trump, and sister, Delores Ridgely, will welcome her into heaven.

The stories that will be told will be ones of love, light, and orneriness. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband, Kent D. McWilliams; three children: Grant D.E. McWilliams (Charlene) of Jackson, MO; Graydon T. R. McWilliams (Leah) of Marion, IL; and Kentyl C. Byrne (Troy) of Clarksville, TN; eight grandchildren, Aria McWilliams, Roman McWilliams, Marcus McWilliams, Vyla McWilliams, Alex McWilliams, Andi McWilliams, Max Byrne, and Dexx Byrne; her sister Marvis (Harold) Trump, as well as in-laws, nieces, and nephews who were dearly loved, thought she was a lady of song.  Ronda was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and is with Him now.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to the Linda White Hospice House and mailed to 611 Harriet Street, Evansville, Indiana 47710.

Binkley-Ross Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist the family with arrangements.  Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave online condolences.