Debrah Ronning

Debrah “Debbie” Corene Ronning was born on May 12, 1948 in Washington D.C. to Joshua and Liberty Rizzo.  Debbie and her family resided in Washington D.C. where Debbie attended Anacostia High School, graduating in 1966.

On August 7th, 1971 Debbie was united in marriage to James ‘Jim’ C. Ronning at the University of Maryland Chapel in College Park, Maryland.  Initially the newlyweds lived in Suitland Maryland and soon after found a permanent residence in the neighboring town of Clinton Maryland in 1973. Upon retirement the happy couple settled into their new home and life in Wentworth, South Dakota.  To this union, two children were born, Jay and Erik. Along with the blessing of being a mother, Debbie worked for the U.S. Government supporting various organizations as a management assistant and in addition became a regional sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics earning several cars and prestigious awards.  Debbie’s real passions were her faith, family, photography and calligraphy writing. One of her greatest principles was to encourage her family, friends and community to organize and maintain their legacies in an effort to minimize the hardship of a loved ones departure from earth to their heavenly reward.

On the afternoon of April 7th, 2021, Debbie, age 72, unexpectedly passed away. She was preceded in death by her father Joshua Rizzo, her mother Liberty Rizzo, her sisters Janice Turner and Judith Elaine Rizzo.  Those who will continue to honor her memory are her husband Jim of Wentworth, SD, her children Jay (Kat) of Centreville, VA and Erik of Clinton, MD;  her sister Elaine (Ronnie) of La Plata, MD and her brother Mark (Virginia) of Miami, FL;  her Sisters & Brothers-in-law Barbara Rost of Green Lake, WI, Susan and Darrell Starkson of Lakeville, MN, Jean & Steven Ronning of Columbia, MD and Michael Turner of Ware, MA; nieces and nephews, Tamera (Lee), Bradley (Cathy), Nathan, Shannon (James), Kyle, Michelle, Megan (Scotty) and Joshie; great nieces and nephews, Ashley (Tyler and Charlotte), Nikki, Avery, Addison, Ellie, Mykayla, Lillyan, Conor, Caleb, Ayden, Alayna, Sophia, Eli, and Ella.

There will be a visitation with the family present commencing at 10:00 am, a celebration of life service at 11:00 am, followed by food and refreshments at River of Life Christian Fellowship, 610 NE 3rd Street, Madison, SD, 57042 on Friday, April 16th 2021.

Memorials may be directed to the Debbie Ronning Memorial Fund and delivered to the church or the funeral home or you may contribute to Debbie’s favorite charity ~ www.compassion.com/debronning.