It is with great sadness that the family of Rohonalda Jean Alton, 83, announces her peaceful passing at the St. Joseph Hospice in Thunder Bay, Ont. on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011.
Rohonalda, or Ronnie as she was known by family and friends, was born to George and Strand Henry in Fort Frances, Ont. on Jan. 12, 1928.
She attended school there, and in 1947 was swept off her feet by James Alton. They married on Dec. 4, 1947.
In the winter of 1953/54, she and Jim moved to Thunder Bay with their first three children. By 1954, they moved to a rundown farm outside town and spent the next 10 years turning it around, providing a rural home to the delight of their now six children.
Ronnie worked in retail in various department stores around Thunder Bay and even did a stint at the Paramount Theatre, which, of course, thrilled her children getting free admission for the Saturday matinee.
She was a happy gardener, loving flowers, but her forte was knitting and petti-point with projects always on the go, creating amazing artwork with her petti-point.
Ronnie is survived by her husband, James R. Alton of Thunder Bay, Ont.; children, James Alton (Hortensa) and Joann Salter of British Columbia, Sherry Savard (Allen) of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Tim Alton of Alberta; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Numerous nieces, nephews, and many valued friends survive.
She was predeceased by her parents; children, Larry Alton and Beth Alton-Kristner; brother, Doug Henry; and sister, Cora Orton.
Cremation has taken place.
A service for a celebration of life was held Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Pinegrove United Church (Highway 130) in Thunder Bay, with Rev. Randy Boyd officiating.
If life is measured by the good memories one leaves behind, then Ronnie had a very large life.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
