Rona Melkus, formerly of Grand Island, died April 16, 2011, in Fresno, Calif.

A prayer service and celebration of her life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 25, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Grand Island. A lunch will follow afterwards at the parish center. Her many friends and former colleagues are invited.

Ronal Melkus was born in Hartley, Iowa, on Feb. 24, 1951. Rona's devotion to her family, friends, career and her faith touched the lives of many and those who were privileged to know her were endeared by her integrity, strength, kindness and everlasting smile.

Rona graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic in 1969, where she met her husband whom she married in 1971. She then graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1973, earning a BS in Education.

A true community servant, Rona dedicated her life to serving others. In honor of her son JJ's successful recovery, she became an active volunteer with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and in 2005 was named Woman of the Year for raising the most funds during an eight-week campaign. Rona was also a frequent donor at the Central California Blood Center.

Rona began her career teaching in Grand Island public schools and at the Grand Island School of Business she discovered her passion for accounting. When the family moved to Clovis, Calif., in 1986, she enrolled in accounting courses at Fresno State. In 1992, she began a nearly 20-year accounting career with the Central Valley Community Bank and was named Vice President, Controller in August 1996. Rona's outstanding work ethic and excellent performance was highly regarded, consistently awarding her top hones and leaving a significant legacy for the bank's future.

Rona was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Marcella Luton, and her husband's parents, Leonard and Margery Melkus.

Rona will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 39 years, Gordon Melkus, and her three children Robert Melkus, JJ Melkus and Elizabeth Hamel (Joshua). She is also survived by her nine siblings, Connie Luton, Barbara Boos (Ed), Marabeth Luton, Janet Perantoni (Jay), Dennis Luton (Pat), Dan Luton (Mary), David Luton, Darryl Luton (Sally), and Dana Luton (Hillary) and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

Rona will always be remembered for her unconditional love of family, friends, community and her dedication to her faith, career and garden.

Memorials are suggested to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Central California Chapter in Fresno, CA or the Central California Blood Center in Fresno.

Source - Grand Island Independent - Jun 22, 2011