January 22, 1954 – August 12, 2025
Ronda Lynn Robinson (71), of rural Hawkeye, IA, passed away from a tragic accident on August 12, 2025. Born on January 22, 1954 to Burdette and Evelyn (née Willman) Rowland, she was the eldest of four children and grew up with her brother and sisters in the small town of Hawkeye. She attended the local schools and made many life long relationships. During her time at North Fayette Jr. and Sr. High School, Ronda became a standout athlete, especially in softball. She was on the North Fayette Lady Hawks state tournament team in 1970 and 1972. After graduation, Ronda moved to Colorado where she embarked on many new adventures, including having her children, Dan and Lindsey. In 1992, Ronda decided to move back to Iowa where she reconnected with her classmate, Gary Robinson, and became his wife on November 26th, 1993.
Ronda embraced all aspects of being a farmer’s wife, as well as, a partner and coworker in Gary’s concrete construction business. Ronda was always on the move so she worked several jobs including a USPS rural mail carrier, administrator at West Central High School, a seasonal employee at Cannon’s Greenhouse and a cashier at Quillin’s Grocery in West Union. Although she was exceptional at all her jobs, she had a passion for baking and was constantly called upon to make baked goods for special occasions. She was blessed to be able to make her son’s wedding cake and granddaughter Charlotte’s first birthday cake.
When Ronda was not helping Gary or working, she loved to be mowing her lawn, tending to her beautiful flowers in her garden or spoiling her dogs. After the crops were harvested, Ronda and Gary would make their annual trip to their house in Florida to enjoy the warm winter days and sunshine. Over the decades, Ronda and Gary rescued over two dozen senior dogs from shelters in Iowa and Florida. They provided hospice support and comfort during the end-of-life years for her “fur babies”. She was passionate about supporting and donating to rescue shelters.
Ronda adored being a grandmother to Mikenzie (14) and Drake Bauer (9) in Montana and Charlotte (1) in Colorado. She managed to intently watch Mikenzie’s softball tournaments and Drake’s basketball games on the internet. In July 2025, she traveled to Colorado for Charlotte’s first birthday and was thrilled when the event expanded into a large family reunion.
Ronda lived her life with lots of love, joy, and laughter even through her struggles. She was a kindhearted and unselfish person who could make anyone around her feel special. She enjoyed talking and socializing with everyone she interacted with and joked that her Quillin’s job was “social therapy.” Her untimely death leaves a void that will only be filled by the cherished shared memories of Ronda’s life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Burdette Rowland, and her in-laws Lloyd and Donna Robinson.
She is survived by her husband Gary Robinson, brother David Rowland (Deb) of Iowa, sisters Leann Battin (Ron Bloom) and Mary Connor all residing in Colorado; her children Dan Bauer (Michele) of Montana and Lindsey Dunlop (Taylor) of Colorado; grandchildren Mikenzie and Drake Bauer and Charlotte Dunlop; in-laws Steve Robinson (Robin) of Hawkeye, and Kurt Robinson (Brenda) of Nebraska and many nieces, nephews and step family.
Ronda was a confirmed member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye. A celebration of her life will be held at the church at 11 AM Saturday, August 23, 2025, with Pastor Ron Roberts officiating. A visitation will precede services at the Church at 9:30 AM.
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