Ronda Lee (Gardner) Read

Ronda L. Read, 70, of Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away March 15th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born and raised in Kent, Ohio, she spent most of her life in Tallmadge. She was an active member of the First Congregational church of Tallmadge for the past ~45 years. She was proud of her church.  She loved to volunteer, worship, and socialize there and she especially cherished the friends she made there over the years.

Ronda was passionate about her home. She enjoyed landscaping and building beautiful flower gardens around the property on Northeast Avenue.  She loved visiting arts and craft shows and going to flea markets and yard sales.  Ronda’s beautiful century farmhouse was filled inside and out with many of the wonderful objects she collected over the years, including a few she made herself.  Her house was her lifelong art project and she never tired of it.

Ronda was a devoted mother.  In addition to raising her other three children, she was the primary caregiver for her dear son – Travis – whose special needs would require her lifelong attention and commitment.  She never wavered in those duties and never complained. Just the opposite. Ronda always maintained a positive attitude, and she always wore a brave face, even during the last ~3.5 years as she fought hard against the cancer that would ultimately claim her life. 

Ronda adored her five grandchildren and loved spending time with them.  She always made sure the holidays were celebrated joyfully. Christmas was always a 5-star affair and the kids loved spending Christmas morning at “Nana’s” house. Ronda’s Easter Egg hunts were legendary, and she usually went overboard with the number of eggs, candies, cakes, and toys laid out against the backdrop of her beautiful yard.  She might have been a little too extravagant at times, but she was happy to do it for the love of her grandkids, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Ronda loved her friends.  She was blessed with a wonderful group of supportive old and new friends who comforted her and helped her stay positive through the years.

Ronda will be deeply missed by all who loved her. She was a joy in our lives, a comforter, a supporter, a role model. Her heart was pure and joyful and giving.

Ronda was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Lorrin Read, and father, Ronald Gardner.

She is survived by her daughter, Heather Read; sons, Travis Read, Derek (Yanyan) Read, and Jason (Julie) Read; mother, Katherine Gardner; sisters, Rebecca (Terry) Davis, Rayne Gardner, and Robin (Roy) Gerlach; brother, Ron (Gay) Gardner; grandchildren, Taylor, Zoey, Jaleah, Zachary, and Noah; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday April 1, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:30 am. at the First Congregational Church, 85 Heritage Dr., Tallmadge, OH. 

Memorial service will follow visitation at the church at 11:30 am.

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