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Ronda was a standout athlete at W.F. West High School. In the late 1970s, when there were no girls’ basketball or softball teams, she sought positions on the boys’ teams — and excelled. She was soon transferred to the Centralia College women’s teams so she could compete, and her advocacy helped prompt W.F. West to embrace women’s athletics. She still holds school records to this day.
Ronda was also among the first women to work as a forester. That path led to a 35-year career with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, where she earned numerous awards as a cartographer creating maps for the state.
Beyond her professional life, Ronda enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting stamps and rocks from around the world. She was also a talented writer, poet, and artist. Ronda had a gift for mastering whatever she put her mind to — skills she taught herself, often fueled by Rose Tree Tea.
Ronda made a lasting imprint on the history of Lewis County and on the hearts of those she loved. She is survived by her daughter, Shelley Berard; Shelley’s husband, Keith; and her three grandchildren, Penelope, Jack, and Max. She is also survived by her brother, Mike Hamrick, and his children, Andrea and Matthew.
As Ronda’s life and loved ones span many places, it would be difficult to bring everyone together for a single service. Instead, we invite you to celebrate her memory in your own way. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the W.F. West Bearcat Athletic Booster Club.
