Carol J. Ronecker (nee Diebling) Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Beloved wife of the late Raymond E. Ronecker, Jr.; loving mother of Mark (Christine) Ronecker and Karen (Larry) Zinkl-Taylor; cherished grandmother of Nicholas Ronecker, Katherine (Michael) Miller, and Sarah Ronecker, and Adam Zinkl; dear sister of the late Robert Diebling, Arleen Martin and Doris Jones; dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Carol was born and educated in St Louis. Her father died when she was 25 and it had a profound effect on her. She was a daddy’s girl. He was a stern disciplinarian and taught Carol about responsibility and morality. Her mother died at the age of 96, her last year taught Carol lots about growing older and accepting your limits, making the most of each day and finally dying with dignity.
She married Raymond Ronecker on Feb 2 1955, a wavy dark haired classmate from Cleveland high school. They had 2 children Mark born in 1958 and karen in 1961. They lived in a flat in south st louis until 1967 where they moved to Des Peres. In 1991 they built their dream home in Ballwin.
They were very active in their church and loved their church family.
During their 44 years of married life Carol and Ray loved to travel. They went on over 30 cruises some with family and friends. Carol retired in 1998 with her husband Ray. She was thankful they traveled when they did because you never know when today will be your last day.
Carol continued to go on trips after Ray died in July 1999. She went to places she had always wanted to visit. Traveling kept her young!
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2014 and given 6 months to a year. She didn’t like that answer and lived 4 more years. She knew it was time when she could no longer do the things she wanted to on her own. She only wanted 3 things, to die at home, to not die alone, and be pain free. She achieved those 3 things and on May 2 she died pain free with the help of a wonderful hospice team, a houseful of people surrounding her with love and she died in her dream home in her beautiful living room.
She loved this quote from Winnie the Pooh
If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart. I'll stay there forever!
If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.
But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.

Memorial service Saturday, June 2nd, 11:00 am at Kirkwood United Church of Christ, 1603 Dougherty Ferry (at Lindeman), Kirkwood, MO 63122. A reception at church will follow the service. Interment private. Memorial donations preferred to Kirkwood United Church of Christ Endowment Fund.