Liberty Lake - Ronna was born in Spokane, Washington, in 1952 to Robert Gilbert and Sharon Hadden. She attended Ferris High School and worked as a medical transcriptionist, eventually running her own transcription business. Her husband, Kim, met the love of his life at Sacred Heart Hospital, where Ronna worked. They were excited to be married and were united at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Spokane Valley, Washington, in 1980. They were blessed the next year with the first of their children, Jess. The next year followed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Chelsey. Ronna's children were her pride and joy. She loved the rain and taught them not to be afraid when the skies opened, and thunder and lightning struck. She gave love and affection unconditionally and snuggled with both long after they were too big to crawl up on her lap in her chair. She gave gentle head scratches and said "It's alright sweetie." She loved watching her kids do their thing, from band and theatre to football and basketball. Her head was hidden in her hands when the score was too close. Ronna was known as the "crazy cat lady". She adored her three cats at home and her "granddogs" when they could visit. She loved all animals and would take in strays from time to time, eventually finding their owners. She enjoyed traveling when she was young and healthy and family reunions and camping filled her cup. She was an avid reader and collector of big shiny rings and loud bangle bracelets. She loved Gonzaga basketball and rarely missed the opportunity to watch the game on TV with her husband. She had a beautiful smile and a loud, unforgettable laugh shared readily and often with friends and loved ones.

Ronna, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend lost her battle with pneumonia on March 7 while being treated at North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls, Idaho. She left to meet the Lord with her family and friends at her bedside, leaving a void that nothing can fill. Ronna was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Gilbert and Sharon Hadden; and her brothers, Lynn Gilbert of Seattle and Rex Gilbert of Spokane. She is survived by her husband, Kim Thomas; her children, Jess Thomas and Chelsey Thomas; her brothers, Jody Spurgeon of Medical Lake, Lyle Gilbert of Spokane Valley, Rory Spurgeon of Rockford; and brothers-in-law, Barry Thomas and Louis Allard of Spokane Valley; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private life celebration will be held by the family. Any donations in Ronna's name can be made to partnersforpets.org.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Apr. 25, 2024.
 

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