Ronaele Kathleen Berry

Ronaele Kathleen Berry passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born on July 18, 1951, in Weiser, Idaho, to Charles and Eleanor Hunnel, and was the second oldest of six children.

Ronaele’s love for God began at a young age and deepened throughout her life. Her unwavering faith was a constant source of strength, guiding her through every chapter. She lovingly referred to Him as her Father, cherishing that close and trusting relationship, and she longed for those closest to her to know the same peace and assurance she found in Him. In her final days, she tenderly shared that she was redeemed and being held by Jesus—a faith that brought her comfort, strength, and enduring hope, leaving a powerful testament to all who knew her.

She graduated valedictorian from Morrill High School in Morrill, Nebraska, in 1969. After high school, she attended, on scholarship, the College of Nursing in Omaha, followed by a short stint at Eastern Wyoming College, where she met her husband, Russell Mayo Berry III. The two eloped on September 25, 1970, in Boulder, Colorado, and shared a devoted marriage of 55 years.

In 1971, Ronaele and Russell moved to north-central Nebraska to manage a large ranch in the Sandhills along the Niobrara River before eventually settling in California. Together, they raised six children: Katherine (Kate) Van Nortwick (Peter), Anne Berry, Margaret Comparan (Paul), Emily Morton (Philip), Russell Berry (Lacy), and Charlotte Schaefer (Curtis), their youngest, born after the family moved to California. At her core, Ronaele was a nurturing and loving mother whose gentle wisdom, faith, and steady presence made her a trusted advisor and source of comfort to her children, family, and friends.

Ronaele dedicated her life to supporting families. She served as a La Leche League leader beginning in 1975, became a midwife in 1977—delivering over 100 babies—and later taught parenting communication classes. She and Russell were pioneers in the Nebraska homeschooling movement. In 2005, she earned her master’s degree in psychology from Walden University.

She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, serving in many leadership roles, and was an accomplished pianist and seamstress. From 2006 to 2020, she sang with the Sacramento Choral Society and was also an avid Bikram yoga practitioner for many years.

Ronaele is survived by her husband, Russell; her six children and their spouses; 19 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild expected in May. She is also survived by her siblings Donna (Richard) Sigward, Laurel (Loren) Appleman, Barton (Jan) Hunnel, and Barry (Michelle) Hunnel. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bernard “Bernie” Hunnel, and three nieces.

Ronaele will be remembered for her deep faith, devoted marriage, love of family, and lifelong commitment to serving others.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10:00am East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park & Mortuary 9189 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624

Followed by a Reception hosted by the family. The family kindly requests the honor of your response by April 2nd. Please text 916-396-7270.