Oh, how she was loved and, oh, how she loved God, her husband, Shannon, her family, her friends, her work, her co-workers, music, art, golf (of all things!) and helping others.

Impossible to forget once you had met her, Ronda was as gorgeous on the inside as she was on the outside. With her glorious mane of unruly auburn hair, voluptuous figure, a smile that could light up a stadium and eyes that sparkled with enthusiasm, intelligence, inquisitiveness and a bit of mischief, she was a sight to behold and a force to be reckoned with.

Ronda’s maiden name was Fears, but many of us who worked with her early in her journalism career called her “Fearless,” because that’s how she truly was, both as a reporter and a person. She also was one of the smartest people – and fastest writers – I’ve ever known.

And she was so much fun to be with. In the late ’80s, we had great adventures seeing the Rolling Stones and Stevie Ray Vaughan concerts together. In the ’90s, she kept me from getting trampled while I filmed on the sidelines one of my youngest son’s national championship football games.

My husband and I rejoiced with her when she married her wonderful Shannon and I hosted a wig party for her after her first bout with cancer and chemo left her temporarily bald. Even while living several hundred miles apart the past few years, we remained close friends.

About 13 years ago, this amazing woman, wife, journalist and friend rededicated her life to Christ and became a Christian role model. She was way too humble to ever call herself that, but she was. And her renewed joy and love for God made her even more of a blessing and positive influence for everyone whose life she touched.

That is not to say Ronda was never wrong or tired or discouraged or outraged or in pain. She was, after all, only human. But the ferocity and courage with which she battled two attacks of cancer little more than a decade apart was inspiring. And so was the way she recently ended that battle – in body only – with peace and confidence that her immortal soul was bound for Heaven.

Ronda found the strength to endure her pain through encouraging others and by praising God every day for every good thing that happened in her life. “God rocks!” was one of her favorite sayings, so it didn’t surprise some us when the music at her recent memorial service in Muldrow included a recording of the old rock hit “Spirit In The Sky” – which is where I picture her now, rockin’ on with God, and both of them dazzling the heavens with their smiles.

Linda Seubold, editor of Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine, can be reached at lindaseubold@efortsmith.com. Read her archived columns and articles online.

---

Copyright © 2008 eFortSmith Media.com, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1341, Fort Smith, AR 72902

efortsmith.com and Entertainment Fort Smith are registered trademarks. All rights reserved.

HOME