Edith J. Ronzani

Edith Joan Ronzani, 102, of Bettendorf, died peacefully at her apartment at The Fountains Assisted Living Facility, Bettendorf on February 4, 2023.

Edith was born on June 20, 1920 in Centerville, Iowa. She was one of nine children born to Giuseppe “Joe” and Angela “Bertelli” Pauletti. She attended school in Centerville, Iowa. Her large family made it necessary that she helped with the many chores and duties of a rural life.

While in Chicago for a visit, she met Neal Ronzani who was managing the A & P store in Highland Park, Illinois. After a brief courtship, they married in 1942. World War II was being waged and Neal enlisted in the Army. The couple traveled to Fort Ord, California where Neal shipped out to the South Pacific. Edie worked briefly around Salinas, California in the agricultural fields before her return to the Midwest. She worked at Ordinance Steel in the Quad Cities which supplied arms and ammunition for the war alongside two of her sisters.

She rejoined her husband when he returned from the war in 1946 in Highland Park, Illinois and in 1948 they had a son, William, born at Highland Park Hospital. In 1950, they moved to Davenport, Iowa where they both found jobs. Edie worked at the Bendix Corporation, later at Litton Life Support for 35 years before retiring in 1985.

Edie and Neal loved to travel. They visited all the 48 contiguous states and parts of Canada and Mexico, bringing home many memories.

Her husband Neal passed away in 1977. She continued to live independently at her home until the age of 96. After Neal’s death she continued her loving of travel. She took numerous cruises and once went on a driving expedition with two friends from Davenport to Key West, Florida and back!

Edie was also active as coordinator of the Bendix Retirement Club, helping to plan monthly luncheons and gatherings. She was a lifetime member of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and spent time working at the Putnam Museum. She loved sports, playing golf when younger and attending University of Iowa basketball and football games. She also regularly attended West High School basketball games for many years, and was recognized for her continued support.  She finally got to see her Cubs win the World Series, which was a big thrill in 2016.

Edie was a mother and grandmother which was her greatest pleasure.  She spent many hours with her grandson, Tony, and granddaughter, Elissa when they were growing up helping to raise them both.  She was overjoyed to meet and spend time with her two great-granddaughters Elaina and Addisyn.  She was also a superb baker.  Her pies and cookies were enjoyed by many throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three sisters, and four brothers. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William and Susan Ronzani, grandchildren, Anthony Ronzani (Liz Medina), all of Bettendorf, Elissa (Jake) Scharff, North Liberty, Iowa, great-grandchildren, Elaina and Addisyn Scharff, and a sister Albena Brown, Davenport.

Edie and her family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Fountains Assisted Living and the dedicated caregivers at St. Croix Hospice.  Both groups made her life more enjoyable and provided comfort care which was unsurpassed.