Virginia Ronka Obituary

Ronka
Virginia "Beth" Elizabeth
(Hage) Ronka
June 8, 1941
April 19, 2022

Virginia Elizabeth (Beth) Hage Ronka, the first of four daughters, was born to Robert and Virginia Hage in Seattle, Washington on June 8, 1941. She died peacefully at home on April 19, 2022 after a long journey with cancer. During her years in the Pacific Northwest, she developed a love of the outdoors which included camping, skiing, and water sports. Throughout her life she enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, hiking, games and was a life-long reader and learner and a student of world events.

Beth graduated in 1963 from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, receiving a BA in Art History. While there, she developed deep and lasting friendships with four wonderful suite-mates, visiting them almost annually in New England and Colorado. On June 4, 1963 (the day after her graduation), Beth married Paul Ronka, who she met on a blind date her freshman year (her date was with his roommate, not with Paul). She was a Navy wife for the first three years of their marriage, living in Norfolk, San Diego and Seattle.

In 1968, Beth committed her life to following Jesus Christ, having been impacted by a personal encounter with Francis Schaeffer. Her strong testimony was the major influence in her husband's later conversion.

Beth's life was dedicated to partnering with her husband in ministry. In 1972, the couple joined The Navigators (a faith-based international Christian ministry), while living in Southern California. There they ministered to college students at the University of California, Irvine. Beth's life and example as a Christian wife and mother greatly impacted young women within the ministry.

In 1979, the family moved to Colorado Springs. In 1985 they spent four years in Bonn, Germany working with the European Navigators. While there, she ministered to women within the American Community as well as to several German friends. Her Bonn experience made a lasting impact on her life and resulted in several life-long friendships. Later in their ministry, Beth joined Paul in travels to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and several countries in East Africa. Her life continued to impact those whom she encountered abroad and at home.

On their life-journey together, God graced Beth and Paul with four wonderful children. Beth proved herself many times over to be a marvelous mother and grandmother, as well as a wonderful wife to Paul. She loved traveling to visit family across the US and abroad whenever she could.

Beth was an active member of Grace & St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs where she served as a Vestry member, a Stephen Minister and later as a Chalice Bearer. She was deeply committed to the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), ministering to homeless families in Colorado Springs. She faithfully served as a coordinator for their activities within her church. She was also a lay pastoral care-giver in her church with Community of Hope International.

In 2003, Beth received a Certificate of Completion in Christian Formation and Soul Care from Denver Seminary. This program greatly enriched her life and enhanced her ongoing ministry. Throughout her life, people have been blessed by Beth's gentle presence, wisdom, humor, generosity, and her ability to come alongside others in a sensitive and encouraging way.

Beth is survived by her husband of almost 59 years, Paul; her four children, Katie Atkinson (Carl), Jim Ronka (Melinda), Alix Ronka, David Ronka (Sonia); her three grandchildren, Gavin Atkinson, Maggie Atkinson, Connor Ronka; her sisters Pam Ritzman (Walt), Dana Steers (Tom), Chris Jackson (Dennis); and 12 nieces and nephews. Her final resting place will be in the Ronka family plot at Seaside Cemetery in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Her memorial service will be held on May 20 at 11AM at Grace & St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 601 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, followed by a reception at the church. Memorial gifts may be given to Family Promise c/o IHN, 1647 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80905 or familypromisecos.org/donate.