Ronda Sue (Byrd) Scott left us all behind on Thursday, July 7th . We lost a daughter, sister, mother and grandmother but the world lost a truly amazing person and friend. She was a loving kind individual who became a friend to anyone she ever encountered throughout her life. Ronda was one of those rare individuals who could make humor out of any situation and keep people laughing. She never lost her spirit or love of life during her brief battle with bone cancer.
Ronda was born on January 7, 1954 to Ronald Byrd and Mary Lou Rook. She attended school in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1972. Her college career resulted in an associate degree from Western Montana College.
Prior to starting a career, Ronda married Ken Tetrault and together they had two sons, Kenneth (Chip) Tetrault and Brian Tetrault. Ronda and Ken later divorced. Ronda met the love of her life, Gary Scott, and they were married in 1993. He passed away unexpectedly while she was serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She came home to lay him to rest and returned to finish her deployment. Ronda later met her future husband, Vern Wingerter and they married in 2016.
Ronda spent the large part of her working career with the National Guard (1975 – 2009) and as a federal employee (1978 – 2009). She leaves behind all of those close friends she met during her service. While in the military, Ronda was a member of the Honor Guard and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was proud to be the first female Command Sergeant Major in the Montana National Guard and to be the recipient of both the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit Medal. Ronda retired in 2009.
During her retirement she had the good fortune to spend more time with her six grandchildren who she loved dearly. She also found time to bowl and play cards (cribbage, pinochle and Texas hold em) with family and friends. She especially liked to play cribbage with her dad and brother with whom many a pennies per points changed hands. Some people believe she may have even been born with a deck of cards in each hand.
In addition, Ronda volunteered for such events as Oktoberfest, Race for the Cure and the Wine Fair. She was never one to say no when asked to help out. Ronda was active in Toastmasters and got many individuals involved who benefited greatly from the experience.
Ronda was preceded in death by her father (Ron Byrd), husband (Gary Scott), son (Chip Tetrault) and baby daughter (Laurel). She is survived by her husband (Vern Wingerter), parents (Mary Lou and Bill Rook), sisters and spouses (Vickie and Curt LaFountaine), (Maggie and Hank Peterson), (Mary and Kelley Patzer), brother and spouses (Rob and Vicky Byrd), (Bill and Nicky Rook), her son and daughter-in-law (Brian and Angel Tetrault) and their children (Honora and Allison), and daughter-in-law Tammy Tetrault and her children (Austin, John Thomas, Natasha, and Sierra). She leaves behind many nieces and nephews along with her large military family and close friends who are too many to list.
Her family would like to send out a special thank you to Dr. Weiner, Emily, the Oncology Floor nurses and physical therapist Jane. They all made her journey less painful.
Viewing will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12th at the Helena First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Montana Sate Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial at the Fort Harrison Service Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronda Scott Memorial Fund (for the benefit of her grandchildren) in care of Mary Patzer at PO Box 159, Helena, MT 59624.
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday July 11, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 12, 2016
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday July 12, 2016
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Hero's Raod
Fort Harrison , Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Graveside with Military Honors
Tuesday July 12, 2016
Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday July 11, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 12, 2016
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday July 12, 2016
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Hero's Raod
Fort Harrison , Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the Graveside with Military Honors
Tuesday July 12, 2016
Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
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Rhonda Robertson says
To Ronda’s Family and Friends,
Ronda was truly an amazing person. I know she is in God’s loving arms and her terrible pain has come to a halt. Sometimes we can’t understand why bad things happen to such good people, but God never promised there wouldn’t be suffering or pain. The wonderful news is she is in Paradise now and I am positive she was greeted by all the loved ones who have gone before her. I pray that all the wonderful memories that you hold so close to your heart will sustain you in the days ahead. You have my very deepest sympathy.
Rhonda Robertson (Strainer-Score)
Kim and Henry Flatow says
Ronda was a fabulous person. It seems like yesterday that we played softball and began our friendship. Our deepest condolences to her family. God bless you all at this time.
Sherryl Vaughn says
I will miss Ronda and her infectious laughter and beautiful smile forever, she was a good friend and wonderful person! Our hearts are heavy but we are so glad her pain is over. Peace and prayers be with all of you during this sad time. Jack and Sherryl Vaughn
Benny and Nancy Zandell says
We are so glad we got to know Ronda. Her outgoing personality and obvious joy in life made her fun to be around. Our thoughts are with Vern and all Ronda’s family during this difficult time.
Chloe Katsilas says
Thinking of you all.
Kevin and Donna Forkan says
To all of Ronda’s family~ We are so sorry about the loss of such a sweet and loving person. You have all been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Sincerely, Kevin and Donna Forkan
Nelda Jo Byrd Huddleston Lively says
Ronda’s Dear Uncle and my Dear Brother Richard, told me online today while I am in Montenegro, about our Dear Precious Niece Ronda dying yesterday from cancer. I feel very sad about it, but then I remember how happy I was when she came with my Mom and Dad to visit me in North Carolina when she was 16. We studied the Holy Bible together, and she was baptized into Christ, like her Dad Ronald was when he was 16.:) It’s helping me to think about being in heaven with her someday. 🙂 Love and Blessings, Aunt and Great Aunt Nelda Jo.
Nelda Jo Byrd Huddleston Lively says
I just did.
Norm Scott Schoneman says
CSGTM Scott was a mother figure to me while I served with her in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was the inspiration that got the Notorious 9 from Nebraska through our 14 month tour of duty. She was always a fountain of energy and advice. We loved it when she went with us on missions across the border. She was a true leader with a serving heart. I cherish the time that I spent with her and got to know her. My prayers go to Vern and her family. Knowing Ronda is sitting on God’s right shoulder gives me satisfaction knowing her suffering is over. God bless.
Norm Schoneman (Nebraska)
Julie Massaro says
My love and prayers go out to Ronda’s family as well as her military family. She was such an amazing woman with one of the biggest hearts I knew. When my husband was deployed the first time to Iraq she pulled him aside and asked when was the last time he talked to his wife. He told her it had been awhile and she took him right over to a phone and told him to call me and take as long as he wanted. She always took care of her soldiers as well as their families. She will be missed.
Carl and Marie Engstedt says
Dear Ronda’s family, We are heartbroken and so sorry for your loss of Ronda. We were honored to know Ronda for well over 40 years. May God wrap you in his arms and comfort you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug Stipcich says
Cousin Vern and Ronda’s family, Deb,Spencer and I would like to let you know how saddened we are to have learned of ronda’s passing. Hopefully you all will be able to find some peace in knowing that she is no longer in pain which I have been told was almost unbearable for her at times during her brief illness. Unfortunately a schedule conflict is not going to allow any of us to attend Ronda’s service, please know that all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Ronda
Larry & Cindy Noel says
Family,
Our history goes back to the 60’s in Blue Cloud on the RV Ranch where we first met Ronda. She was tall and brought her shorter friend (Bill’s sister) to find out over 40 years later. Her family has been part of our lives for a very long time. Ronda always made everyone feel welcome and treated them as a longtime friend. Her since of humor brought many smiles and laughter to all and will be terribly missed by her family and friends. Ronda has accomplished much in her life but to her love that she gave to all will last forever. She may be gone but never forgotten by those who had the privilege to be part of her life. Our deepest sympathy for your loss from your extended family
Paula Beckler says
CSM Scott will be truly missed, she was a great leader and friend. Rest in the arms of Jesus.
Roberta Stipcich says
For the third time in less than a year, I have been saddened beyond belief. Losing Ronda has only added to that sorrow. She was a blessing to the Stipcich family by bring joy and happiness back into the life of Vern. She completed him – and we will forever be grateful for that. Joe and I enjoyed many great times at the lake with Ronda, her family and friends., She will be missed by all but we can be thankful she is no longer in pain and truly is “in a better place”.
Bill Coddington says
I had both Ronda and her brother Bob as students at Capital High and they were both great kids. I especially appreciated Ronda’s constant upbeat enthusiasm for life! I think I had her in my first class of the day and when she arrived, with Lindy McCord in tow, she had the gift to bring the sunshine with her! Loved her dearly. Lindy, if you read this please contact me.
Bill Coddington says
done
Belinda humphrey says
Rhonda was a very loving caring person about her family and friends.she was a lot of fun to be around.always chipped and happy.she had a lot of love for her parents and always spoke highly of them through the good and bad times.she will be missed by all who knew her.rest in Pease and may God bless all of you and her family.she left life way too soon.
Mary McLees Sark says
To all of Rhonda family. I am so sorry to have heard of Rhonda’s passing. My prayers are with all of you. She was a great, funny person, always was so kind. May she rest in peace.
Howard Eich says
So sad to hear of Rhonda’ passing. She was a great soldier and friend whom I will miss. My condolences to he family. Wish I could be there to tell you in person. Those of us from the MTARNG have lost a great CSM and friend. Rest in peace Rhonda.
John Stevenson says
I had the privilege of serving with Ronda -she genuinely cared about people and she is gone way to soon-I am sorry for your loss
John Stevenson-retired U.S. Army
Anthony & Jean Strainer says
Rhonda’s friendship was timeless. It didn’t matter if you only saw her a few times a year, she always greeted you with a warm smile and picked up the conversation as if no time had passed. A truly kind and genuine person with a heart of pure gold. Our heartfelt condolences to Rhonda’s family, may you find comfort in knowing that her wonderful spirit will always be remembered by all those who were honored to know her.
Cari (with Duane) Paige says
I admired Ronda. She set the example for all other female Montana Army National Guard service members. She was (no doubt) respected by her subordinates, peers, and leadership. Out of pure kindness, she gave me a gift after learning I had gotten my bachelor’s degree. I loved her smile, her warmth, her energy, her ability to get the job done with no drama or fanfare, and her compassion to all. You are and will always be a blessing beautiful lady.
Karen Miser says
Rhonda was a good friend to me and everyone that she met. I will treasure the friendship that we have had over the past few years as well as when she introduced me to peanut butter and honey sandwiches when we were still in Lincoln School. My thoughts and prayers goes out to Rhonda’s family through this time of sorrow.
Ronnie and Murphi Pursley says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Rhonda’s smile was contagious and no one could help but smile after meeting her. We will miss her.
Diane says
To Rhonda’s family:
I was shocked to learn that Rhonda passed away and had no idea that she was ill. I am sorry that she was in so much pain. My deepest sympathy to her family at this difficult time. May you all find comfort in knowing she is in God’s hands and no longer suffering.
Diane Pedersen (class of 72)
Judy Harris Baker says
I’ve known Ronda since Lincoln school too! She was a wonderful person and friend. We haven’t been in close contact over the years but anytime we crossed paths it was so much fun to reconnect. She was full of joy and mischief and was always smiling. I’ll not forget the time she and Dorothy Selby and I spent the night at Dorothys house and we consumed many boxes of the Girl Scout cookies Dorothy was supposed to be delivering to people in the next few days! Recalling that incident has brought me so many smiles over the years. I’m so sorry to see her go so soon but in the words of a dear friend – “think of the day she’s having today!” Ronda will be enjoying heaven while we journey towards that same reward. Whenever she crosses my mind I will always smile!
Judy Harris (class of ’72)
Mike & Sherri Crowley says
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Danielle says
No words can express how sad I am for your amazing family. Ronda was very blessed to have been so loved. Know that my thoughts and healing wishes are with you.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Ronda’s family – Ronda will be greatly missed. She was a great person to have known. We had many great times and memories that will not be forgotten. She is now in great hands, and without pain.
God’s Blessings to all.
Matt & Mary
Dick & Donna Shockley says
Working together with Ronda in the Montana Army National Guard was truly a pleasure, as her professionalism and diligence, together with her wonderful personality, always shined and made the mission much more pleasant and easy to accomplish.
Dick Shockley,
Dawn Gornick says
Our sympathies and prayers are with all of the family.
Love,
Mike and Dawn Gornick and Girls
Sheryl & Brooke Gillespie says
When someone you love becomes a memory,
The memory becomes a treasure.
We send are heartfelt sympathy and prayers to your family.
Dave Hanley (SGM, Retired) says
Vern, so sorry for your lost. I had no idea Ronda was ill. Ronda was one of a kind. Ronda worked hard and played hard. I was always proud to serve with her in the MTARNG. Brian and Family, I am very sad for you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dave and Patti Hanley