Ronna K. Estock
February 20, 1942 - May 23, 2025
Obituary
MCFARLAND - Ronna K. Estock passed away on May 23, 2025, after complications from a fall in her home. Ronna was born on February 20, 1942, in Alton, Ill., to Virgil and Vernice Ostendorf. She married Jerome “Jerry” Estock of Zanesville, Ohio on November 9, 1963, and moved to McFarland, Wis., where she raised her three sons, Eric, Timothy and Thomas.
Our mother had an incredibly large support network consisting of many lifelong friends. But she was most passionate about helping others and never missed a moment to show how much she cared. She was a charter member of both the McFarland Lioness Club and the newly formed McFarland Lioness/Lions Club. An active member for 40 years, Ronna held leadership positions such as president, treasurer and secretary. For more than a decade she organized the annual Christmas auction, which is the club's leading fundraiser.
Ronna was also an active member of Bashford United Methodist Church in Madison for over 50 years. She was co-chair of the United Methodist Women’s organization, choir member, and assisted the church in any capacity. Sadly, Bashford closed their doors in 2023, and that’s when mom found a new church family at the Monona United Methodist Church.
Mom spread her faith and kindness wherever she went. It was common for mom to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger, while waiting in line, shopping, or even at a park or restaurant. Ronna also generously donated her time and money to organizations and charities that matched her compassion and desire to help lift everybody up.
Mom and dad traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and the world. Some of her favorite places were Germany, Italy and New Zealand. Her hobbies included creating countless pieces of cross stitch, having made each of her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and friends Christmas stockings. “Craft house 55” was a common phrase Dad used to describe their cluttered kitchen table. Once cleared however, the table hosted many family gatherings, tea parties and annual cookie exchanges. It was here that friends and family shared memories, stories, laughter and love.
After dad passed, Ronna took the entire family to Maui. It was here we scattered some of dad's ashes, so that he may forever rest in the land of perpetual warmth and surf. Mom loved Hawaii too. She could frequently be found on the beach, in a cabana chair reading her favorite new novel, scanning the horizon to be the first to report a Humpback whale breaching, or enjoying a short nap.
Ronna’s love and generosity was felt by many. She will be dearly missed but will reside in our hearts and thoughts always.
Ronna is survived by her three sons, Eric (Kathy) of Madison, Wis., Timothy (Bernadette) of Denver, Colo., and Thomas of Wales, Wis. She is survived by seven grandchildren, Trevor (fiancée, Emma) of New York, N.Y., Tessa (Noah Bouley) of Durham, N.C., Kyle and Kane of Madison, Wis., and Elijah, Hannah and Lucas of Denver, Colo. She leaves behind a brother, the Rev. David (Roz) Ostendorf of Saint Paul, Minn.; brother-in-law, Jim (Joyce) Estock of Streetsboro, Ohio; sister-in-law, Martha Ritchason of Boca Raton, Fla.; as well as three nieces, six great-nephews and six cousins.
Mother was preceded in death by our father, Jerry, who died in March 2013, just nine months short of their 50th wedding anniversary. Her parents, Virgil and Vernice Ostendorf; her in-laws, Andy and Ruth Estock; and nephew, Andy Ritchason also preceded her in death; as well as numerous friends and neighbors, whom she never forgot.
A funeral service will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
Memorials can be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Monona United Methodist Church or the food pantry of your choice.
“For a long life, have a positive attitude, eat well, keep moving, laugh every day and love your family.”
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420