Dorothy Ronsse

Dorothy Jean (Yancey) Ronsse of St. Marys passed away on Aug. 20, 2018 at age 92, just 3 days before her 93rd birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest F. (Duke) Ronsse, Jr. in 1986. She was born August 23, 1925 in Kansas City, the daughter of Gertrude D. (Kramer) and Stephen A. Yancey, both originally from Kansas City who moved to St. Marys in the early 1950's. She married Ernest (Duke) Ronsse on August 22, 1953 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City. They had three children, all surviving: Gregory S. Ronsse (St. Marys, Ks) Sharon A. Ronsse (Silver Lake, Ks) and Scott R. Ronsse (Kansas City, Mo). Dorothy attended St. Xavier Grade School (Kansas City, MO) and St Vincent's Academy High School also in Kansas City. She was an Executive Secretary both in Kansas City and Topeka with SW Bell until she married and moved to the Ronsse farm homestead. There she worked on the farm, and began to raise and show German Shepards at the Championship level. Over time, she added many other dog breeds and formed Double R Kennels. She was very active in the Immaculate Conception Church of St. Marys where she was very involved in choirs and ministry of lector. She was a member of the Ladies Circle at the church and she assisted in establishing the Adoration Chapel at the church. Dorothy made several religious pilgrimages to Yugoslavia to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. She enjoyed many hobbies when not working on the farm and was very creative in those endeavors. She was an accomplished painter and loved crafts. She also acted and sang in local plays and productions. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, singing, playing piano, fashion and had great fun at garage sales. We will miss her. Please do not send flowers, but rather if desired, please make any donations to Midland Hospice in Topeka (phone 866 394 3600) or one of the local animal shelters. Our deepest thanks go out to all the staff at Midland Hospice for their tireless and compassionate assistance. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys.