Birth date: Jul 26, 1942 Death date: Feb 25, 2026
Dr. Ronna Sue Rowlette, 83, of Tampa Florida, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. A celebration of life service will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens on March 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Born in Read Obituary
I met Ronna a few years ago. The first time I met her she was such a light. What I thought was just going to be a service provided turned into a genuine friendship. She was so kind and full of so much joy every time we spoke every time we met up. She gifted both my new grandchildren, beautiful quilts that I will cherish. Ronna, I will deeply miss you.
Ronna and I became close fifty years ago. I don't recall an exact date but it is certain that we met at an activity or conference of the Baha'i Faith. We were united in our faith and in so many more ways personally, in shared curiosity about this world and in growing the human spirit, we are both lovers of the fine and the applied arts, and the natural world.
Ronna had strong characteristics of caring and empathy which amplified her exceptional intelligence. A rare combination. She had a strong work ethic and held close to her heart a wonderfully hopeful vision of the future for humankind. That vision was ever alive in Ronna’s heart, I know without a doubt. She sought to encourage her human sisters and brothers to move forward in positive ways. I’ve known her to be remarkably steadfast in her faith in God and the Baha’i vision of harmony, of a better life for all people, social justice, and as a friend of fifty years.
While living in Kansas, her fascination with people led her to study first anthropology and years later, social psychology. With love, comforting, diligence and honesty she served her family and the growing Baha’i Community in Kansas, the Central states, and other places for many years.
Due to our liking for each other, our mutual fascination with people, and a shared altruism we had the most wonderful conversations, sharing insights into the human soul and laughter about our human predicaments and foibles.
Ronna pursued her identity as a Bahá'í and desire to be a contributing soul through her love for all humanity, acts of service, her sense of justice, dislike of all forms of prejudice, and her joy in celebrating the victories – even small victories. I recall her exclaiming many times, “Yes! Yes! Isn’t that wonderful! That is so great! Oh, that makes me so-o-o-o happy!”
To honor her I’m sharing a very beautiful prayer:
Create in me a pure heart, O my God, and renew a tranquil conscience within me, O my Hope! Through the spirit of power confirm Thou me in Thy Cause, O my Best-Beloved, and by the light of Thy glory reveal unto me Thy path, O Thou the Goal of my desire! Through the power of Thy transcendent might lift me up unto the heaven of Thy holiness, O Source of my being, and by the breezes of Thine eternity gladden me, O Thou Who art my God! Let Thine everlasting melodies breathe tranquillity on me, O my Companion, and let the riches of Thine ancient countenance deliver me from all except Thee, O my Master, and let the tidings of the revelation of Thine incorruptible Essence bring me joy, O Thou Who art the most manifest of the manifest and the most hidden of the hidden!
Bahá’u’lláh
Rest in peace Mom. I hope you have found eternal happiness. Thank you for my life and raising me as a child. Thank you for your counsel as I went through life- and it was good advice. I wish I had listened more to what you had said. You took an interest in the lives of others around you. You wanted a better world and remained true to the Bahai faith to the end. So much more I wish I could have said to you- but death bounds all of our lives, often when we expect it least.
Ronna was a guest in my chair for 7 years. She was more than just a client to me, I always enjoyed our time together and the laughs that we shared over the years. She was so thoughtful and caring and always asked how my family was doing. We built a relationship over the years and I’m sad to know I will not see her for a long time but comforted in knowing she is with The Lord.
Our neighborhood is better because she lived here. Our community is stronger because she chose to invest her life in it.
We extend heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
May we honor her memory by practicing the same generosity, empathy, and commitment to one another that she embodied so fully.
She will be missed. And she will be remembered. What touches me most is not only what she accomplished professionally, but the generosity and empathy she carried into everyday life. The quiet kindness. The investment in others. The way she gave of herself.
Our neighborhood truly is better because she lived here.
