Born on Groundhog Day - Feb. 2, 1944, Mary Ronda Eaton Wilson did a lot of living before leaving this world peacefully on New Year's Day, 2022.

Mary Ronda was born to Marguerite Marie Olivier and James Forrest Eaton. At the time of her birth, her father was serving in WWII. Her first few years were spent with her school teacher mother living with her grandparents, Henry and Catherine "Katie" Clarahan Olivier in the rural family home at Danville, Kansas. She was the center of attention in this household and formed a special relationship with her grandparents and her maternal aunts, uncles, and older cousins. When her father returned, the family moved to Harper, Kansas where her father resumed operation of the family floral business and her mother continued to teach school. In June of 1949, the family of 3 became 4 with the arrival of a much longed for little brother. Many times, throughout the rest of her life she liked to regale with stories of how this wish for a little brother became a thorn in her side- like the story that he chased her through the house with a broom - but there was never any doubt of their loyalty to each other- always there to have each other's backs.

In 1950 the family moved to Anthony when her father became the floral grower for the Chism's at Anthony Floral. Except for short absences, Mary Ronda made Anthony her home for the majority of her life. She graduated from Anthony High School in 1963 where she made lifelong friends and companions who shared a love of mischief, fun, and rock and roll.

Mary Ronda was a hard and loyal worker no matter what job she held. She was the co-worker that was appreciated for these attributes as well as her ability to have fun while working. In high school, she worked at Norma's Dress Shop and later Duckwall's. She left Anthony for a time to attend floral school in Colorado. On her return to Kansas, she settled in Wichita where she worked on the factory floor at Coleman's. While on a factory layoff, she returned to Anthony where she worked various jobs including the snack bar at Park Hill Lanes and helping out at the Hobby Shop. She later married Max Wilson, traveling the country working with him and his custom harvest business. During the off season, the family lived in what is known as the Berlin School. Never idle, Mary worked at Phil's and helped her brother at the "Fun Center" arcade, later operating this business on her own.

With her marriage to Max, her family grew to include Max's children, Rob and Renea. In October of 1973, Mary Ronda gave birth to Joan Monique, the light and love of her life. Monique was not only the light of her life but in adulthood grew to be her best friend. At the time of her passing, Mary Ronda was looking forward to a new chapter in her life as Monique and son-in-law Phil were planning on moving her to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Mary Ronda would live with them.

Once Monique was school age, Mary Ronda decided to stay put in Anthony. This also grew to be important as she was a big help to her mother as her father's health deteriorated and he passed away in 1993. After his death, Mary moved in with her mother where she continued to live after her mother's passing in 1995. She was an extra blessing to her mother in her final days.

In September of 1982, her brother and sister-in-law purchased Jetts. Mary Ronda came on board shortly after to work along with them in the store operation. Her creative talent was reflected in the windows and store displays but where she really shined was in her interaction with customers- kids, men, and women, all loved her. Many customers claimed that she could sell ice to an eskimo but Mary Ronda never made a sale just to make a sale. She put the customers' needs front and center. A customer always left Jetts with clothes that fit and looked good on them. She earned their confidence with her truthfulness. Often, she could be heard saying "that doesn't work on you - get back in there and try this on." This truthfulness, along with her wit and sassiness, had people from all over the area coming to Jetts for her help. These customers weren't just customers but her friends. The Anthony Republican once sponsored a contest for the public to vote for their favorite clerk in Anthony stores, with Mary Ronda winning. Around 2015, Mary Ronda had an unfortunate home accident that broke both her ankles. This required a long rehab and try as she might, she was not able to return to Jetts on a regular basis. She retired from daily work but her love for Jetts and her customers/friends remained with her.  There were many friends who Mary Ronda considered extended family and their care and support were a true blessing into her final years.

Those left behind to celebrate her life and memories include her daughter, Monique Olivier and husband, Phil McDonald; brother, Jim Eaton and wife, Sherrie; nephew, Tim and Renee Eaton and family; niece, Cathy and Dave Copeland and family; stepchildren: Renea Wolf and husband, Larry, Rob Wilson and wife, Cindy, and former son-in-law, Rodney Ball; 7 grandchildren: Lexie (Shawn) Garrison, Kian (Lathen) Kamas, Kaily Ball, Brandon Wilson, Cody Wilson, Chris Wilson, and Brandie Austin; great-grandson, Leith Kamas; and many beloved cousins.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anthony, Kansas.  The family encourages all to wear a mask.  Inurnment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery, Danville, Kansas.

Friends may register 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Prairie Rose in Anthony.

Memorials may be made to the Anthony Historic Theatre for the Marque Restoration and may be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.