Most obituaries tell you something about the person who died, what their accomplishments were.  They include their surviving family, previously deceased family.  So, while writing this I asked my girls to provide some adjectives they would use to describe me.  True to the form of the rest of this obituary it kind of took its own form and fell together as part of my story.  I asked the girls to give me four words they would use to describe me. The four words they named were Brave. Honest. Caring. Strong.  This is what they told me…  

Brave: (Madi) Not afraid to take risks. (Meg) fearless. Honest: (Madi) No bullshit. (Meg) Truthful, even when it hurts. Caring (Madi) Would give the shirt off my back to someone who needed it. (Meg) Always willing to listen and offer advice. Strong (Madi) The ability to look like I’m put together even when falling apart on the inside. (Meg) Able to withstand great force or pressure.

Talk about feeling proud.  It’s not often one gets to know what their obituary says before they actually die.  Being true to form, and somewhat of a control freak, I’ve written my own.  Of course. The girls providing me with the four words and their definitions got me off to a good start.

I am Ronda J. Beaty (Johnson).  I was born April 7th, 1965.  I was a lucky little girl.  My dad, C. Ron Johnson, and A. Kathleen Johnson (Thompson) my mom.  Dad currently lives in Lakeland, FL with his love, Sharon Shyrigh.  Unfortunately, my mom passed away this past December 2,  2020. She lived in Florence Kentucky near my sister, Linda (Prather) Johnson. Linda still resides in Florence and is with her special guy, Darek Cromer.

Linda and I had the privilege of growing up in Tipp City, Ohio.  We both attended all our school years and graduated from Tippecanoe High School.  I graduated in 1983 and Linda in 1986.  I have many fond memories of my childhood.

I was married to Brett J. Beaty for 24 years.  Together, we had two beautiful daughters. Megan Caroline was born in February of 1992.  She currently lives in Forestville, CA.  Madison Ella was born in October of 1995 and currently lives in Troy, OH.  I am so proud of both of you.  I had the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom and raise you.  I had so much fun raising you. You were my purpose.  I love being your mom.  I love even more, being your friend.  I’m going to miss you.  I will forever be your guardian angel, heaven permit.

Nearly seven years ago, I reconnected with a high school sweetheart, Adam Blake.  I like to tell people we were high school sweethearts because technically we were.  We dated for a while in high school! When we reconnected six years ago, WOW, did we fall in love with each other.  We have had so much fun! We have been fortunate to have traveled across and around this beautiful country.  We have camped and hiked a bunch of it!  I’m sad we’ve only had a short time together, but grateful for every minute we’ve had.

Our relationship is one to be admired.  Thank you for being my rock.  Thank you for loving me.

Adam has three handsome young sons.  Noah is 21 and lives in Vermont.  Christian is 19, living in Tipp City, attending The University of Dayton.  Deacon is 15 and lives here in Tipp City as well.  I am grateful to have been a part of your lives, no matter how brief.  Thank you, Adam for trusting me.

There you have it.  A glimpse of what I’m leaving behind.  Not to mention my extended family members and friends.  You know who you are.  I am forever grateful for your love and friendship.

To all of you, I will miss you.

I love you,

Ronda

4.7.1965 – 5.7.2021