Marilyn Minardi Rona

Oh how I loved and looked up to Marilyn; she was quiet but very strong, knowledgeable, and steadfast. She had a love of our Savior which radiated in her being. She will be missed as we gather as family, but we know she is busy doing "good works" and reconnecting with loved ones on the other side.

Marilyn was a truly remarkable woman who touched my life in ways that words can't fully express. Her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support were constants that uplifted me through life's ups and downs. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. Her example of strength, grace, and generosity has left a lasting impact on my heart. While her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and positivity will continue to inspire me forever.
Rest in peace, dear Marilyn. You will never be forgotten.

Dear friend and sister Debi,

I cannot imagine the depth of the pain you are feeling in this moment, but I want you to know that my heart aches with yours. Losing a mother is an indescribable sorrow, one that words can scarcely capture. Your mother was an extraordinary woman, full of grace, strength, and wisdom, and her memory will forever live on in those who knew and loved her.

In these moments of grief, may you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared and the legacy of love she left behind. She may no longer be here in person, but her presence will always remain in your heart, guiding you, just as she always has.

If you need anything—whether it’s to talk, cry, or simply sit in silence—please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here for you, always.

I love you and we are here for you.
From me and my family to yours . May the lord comfort your troubled heart. May you find comfort in those who surround you and love you , especially your husband and children. My condolences goes out to your father and siblings and may the lord bless them with the knowledge that families are together forever.

Love Jihan and family
❤️💖

My deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

Господь Иисус Христос искупил каждую Душу Человеческую , пролив Свою кровь, и отдав Свою Жизнь за Каждого Верящего в Него и Любящего Его. И Заветы, заключенные в Святых Храмах, дают Жизнь Вечную в Радости с Богом, каждому соблюдающему их. Да Благословит Отец Небесный Сестру Мерилин Славой Целестиальной, а Семью Её поддержит в их Земном пути, и Утешит при расставании с Ней, ибо расставание не навсегда.

Marilyn was one of the first Church members I met when I moved to Israel back in 1982. Through the 4 decades I knew her she was always gracious and kind despite her personal health issues and the daily pressures of life in Israel. I know how much she loved her family. My heart is with all of you.

Dear Rona Family, I have such great memories of the love and kindness that Marilyn always shared. I am grateful to have known her. She is truly one of the Lord's beloved daughters who served Him without regard to her own comfort and desires many a time. I pray that you are comforted in this difficult hour of her passing and that can look forward to being reunited on the other side of the veil. Our sincerest love and gratitude for Marilyn's effect on us and many others from me and the entire Wilson family.

I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you will His love and comfort. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Love,
Anna Dong

Our deepest condolences for you and your family brother Dani from all of us

Our Dear Brother Rona,
How very sorry we are for the passing of your dear, sweet, wonderful wife. We have enjoyed our time with her, although it was short.
Our love and prayers goes out to you and your family as this difficult time.
Much Love,
Steve and Wendy

Years ago when I lived in Jerusalem, I had the opportunity to work for Dan part time and to enjoy the hospitality many times of Marilyn and the Rona family. They made great contributions to the Lord's work in the Holy Land and to bless many people and I was one of those fortunate ones. Thank you, Haws

Our family benefited from Marilyn's hospitality. Our family of seven arrived in Jerusalem in August 1983 and stayed with the Ronas for 2 and a half weeks while we looked for an apartment. I naively assumed that Israel was cheaper than living in the States and offered Marilyn $50 to help with food. She graciously accepted it. It wasn't long before I learned how generous she was.

People talk about moments of joy one can experience during mortality. Sadly, I don't think many people have experienced the greatest--which is getting the entire Rona family giggling at once. Unsurpassed.

Marilyn and I worked together at church and gathered our families together to share her fabulous meals. She's irreplaceable, and we all know it. Much love to the family.

Marilyn was my first sister-in-law. And just like her book she co-authored with Steven Baldridge, "Grafting In", I'm happy she was grafted into our family. She was truly another big sister displaying examples of humility, kindness, faithfulness and dedication.
I remember having daily family prayers kneeling in a circle with her and her family as a youth when I spent a summer living with them. A great example of an eternal wife, eternal mother, and an eternal child of God! To me she is an eternal sister -of-love.

My dear cousin ❤ glad we briefly met. I'm sending you my heart-felt condolences 🙏.
I'm here if you need anything.
Cousins of eternity.

Just a note to let you know I’m thinking about you and your family with the loss of Marilyn. I can’t come to the funeral tomorrow. As I have two obligations, but my thoughts will be with you. You and Marilyn have been my neighbors for several years so she will be missed.

Dear Rona Family,
We remember the warmth and goodness of your mother Marilyn. She had a beautiful smile that lifted everyone around her. We admired her great hospitality and the love she shared with everyone. We hope that all of you feel the comfort of knowing you will be with her again. We always loved seeing the members of the Rona family each time we lived in Jerusalem.
With love,
David and Jo Ann Seely

My sincere condolences with the passing of your dear mom. She has had a great influence on me during my early years in Israel. She was always welcoming, kind and willing to share temporal and spiritual blessings with those she came in contact with. It is a privilege to have been acquainted with her. I wish you strength during this difficult time. Mariette

Marilyn was one of the first members of the church I met after making Alya to Israel. I am thankful for our friendship, for her example, her wisdom, hospitality and warmth. יהיה זכרה ברוך

I was lucky to have met her on my last trip to Israel. Daniel and Steve, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marilyn, you were a light and were so welcoming and kind to our entire family when we visited the Holy Land. Your love for your own family and others and especially Jesus Christ shone in everything that you did. Until we meet again.

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you for your giving to the world and sharing your testimony and knowledge of the Gospel and view from the Jewish point of view.

We did not get to meet Marilyn on our trip to Israel but it is still a highlight of our life. We are sorry for your loss; my husband has also passed away and I understand the void this can create. Life after death is real and comforting to know that we will meet again.

Daniel,..... and the entire Rona family, We send our condolences at this tender and sorrowful time. May Heavens sweetest blessings comfort and sustain you till that glorious time you see Marilyn again. May her memory be a blessing.

Your positive influence has made the world a better place. Thank you for your faith and courage. Your light continues to burn in the crossroads of the east and in the crossroads of the west.

We send our love and sympathy to your family. May you find peace and comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ and in the special memories of Marilyn.. May God bless you.

Daniel and family....
Much sympathy to you and your family... Was sorry to hear of your loss.... I lost my own sweetheart a couple years ago, so hearing such news is quite sad to me.
May you all continue to enjoy loving memories of her....
Aaron

I am sending my condolences and deep sympathy to the bereaved family. I had known the Rona family since I arrived here in Israel. Sister Rona was a great example to us sisters in Jerusalem branch.

So sorry for the passing of your eternal companion. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family.
David and Suzanne Zlotnick

My family and I so much appreciated you and your family when you served as our home teacher in St. Louis. I have so many fond memories of our working together in the missionary work there. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family in your time of sorrow.
Love to all,
Will Winder

I was not fortunate enough to meet Marilyn, but I feel certain that her life was well-lived and that she will be sorely missed by her loved ones. My deepest sympathy to all who are feeling this loss. May God send a spirit of peace and comfort into each heart as we celebrate her graduation to places more wonderful than we now recall.

Dear Dan, Catherine and I are deeply saddened to learn of Marilyn’s passing. Most certainly this will be among the saddest days of your life., being deprived of the company of your angel wife. We pray the Lord to bless you with peace and contentment,, knowing that Marilyn is now in a better place than she ever has been. We pray the Lord blessings to be with you and your family until we are all once again enjoying Marilyn‘s company. Love and choices blessings, Menlo And Kathryn

It was a great honor to get to know Marilyn during the past several years. I admired her quiet strength, even as her health was slowly declining. She was kind and thoughtful, and I enjoyed the visits and conversations with Marilyn and Daniel. Through her, my wife and I got to meet Daniel and Steven, and we had an unforgettable experience in the Holy Land. Marilyn was truly “an elect lady.”

Dear Rona family, I’m so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. It has been too many years since we cousins all hung out together in St. Louis. May Gods peace be with you today and always as you await your reunion with her.
Love, Randy kempton family

Marilyn made the world a better place with her warmth, intelligence, spirit, and generosity. She welcomed and guided all of us that came to the Jerusalem branch to prepare us and enrich our experiences in the Holy Land. She shared wonderful stories and taught the Gospel with wisdom. May God bless and comfort you until you are reunited.

Dear Rona Family,
We are grateful to have known Marilyn. It pains us to know of your heartache. But we rejoice in knowing, as you do, that this is not the end, but a new beginning for her. To think that she may have already been in the arms of our, and her, Savior.
God bless you, dear Daniel.
Love forever,
Steve and Susan

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Sister Rona. We are praying for all your family that you may find comfort and peace as you deal with this great loss.

Marilyn stands a great example to everyone of a loving and sustaining wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and servant of the Lord. She now is received by Him in paradise as a good and faithful servant.
"... and those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must needs suppose." (Alma 46:41)
Janeal and I express our heartfelt condolences to you, Daniel, to Steven, and all your family. Your love for Marilyn and your family, and friendship to us and so many thousands of people you have served is registered in our hearts and noted in Heaven. Because a lifetime together is never enough, your Temple marriage and your hope in Christ is comforting. You both are exemplary covenant-keepers.
Our prayers are with you,

I remember Marilyn from the Jerusalem branch in 1974 when Daniel and my father Wilson Kay Andersen served together with David Galbraith in the branch presidency. My mother Margaret
Andersen loved her dearly! I remember how kind she was to all us students who,
Like her were newly arrived in a strange new land! I was the primary teacher of David Rona and Daniel Galbraith when as 8 year olds they were baptized in the Jordan River. I was a 16 year old student!
And 30 years ago I moved into a neighborhood in South Jordan next to our wonderful neighbors Grace and Gladden Dalton and Doug and Arlene Dalton who spoke highly of their friendship with your family. Now I am one of Avi’s teachers at Jordan Valley school! And now I understand better why he is such a sweet and beautiful boy who I love working with! He is sweet Marilyn Rona’s grand son! Aleta Ruth Andersen Taylor

Marilyn.....you are greatly missed. Condolences to the entire Rona family, especially Dan who must carry on without his eternal companion by his side, ......for the moment. I loved Marilyn....enjoyed working with her, planning trips for my clients. We used to go to lunch....she was always fun and a joy to be with., Her testimony of Christ was a thread, winding through everything she said and did.
The entire Rona family is in our prayers.
Betty Ann Leasure

Marilyn’s legacy in the Holy Land is deep and wide. The Rona family has been on the front line of building Zion there for decades, which reflects Marilyn’s strength, tenacity and resilience. Her posterity continues to bless those who are drawn to that special place. Marilyn’s memory is a blessing.

Brother Rona, this a very difficult trial for you. I am grateful that our God has provided a way through the messiah and Savior Jesus for you to be with your wife again. I love you and pray for you, brother.

How blessed I was to be called as a counselor to serve with Sister Rona when she presided over the Relief Society in 1999-2000. We traveled throughout the country visiting the gatherings of sisters, and sometimes single sisters who needed a visit. She truly felt inspired, and I learned much from her and her loving concern for the sisters and their families.

While serving as the Jerusalem Branch President from July 1999 to December 2020 I had many opportunities to collaborate with Sister Rona and the rest of her family. Relief Society and priesthood quorums met in English, Spanish, and Russian. The Ronas provided multiple channel earphones for Sacrament meeting, and the service was interpretated in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English, and Spanish. Joshua Rona helped with much of this. I cherish many precious moments when we worked together to visit those in need. His call to serve a full-time mission in New York City was the highlight of that special period. {Prayers and testimonies in Hebrew, Arabic, English and Spanish were a notable part of that wonderful event in the lives of the saints in Jerusalem.

All during this period the Israel Revealed 55-seat tour bus was lent to the branch for use on Sabbath. The bus, driven by its wonderful volunteer Israeli driver traveled over a hundred miles each Sabbath gathering in the scores of saints who had come to Israel from Africa, Russia, Europe, China, Australia, and North and South America, then returning them to their dwellings after meetings ended. The bus ride also offered the occasion for home teachers to visit with families as they rode together.

When the Jerusalem Center hosted district conferences the Relief Society found ways to feed hundreds between the sessions. Marilyn's influence among the sisters built love and mutual appreciation that influenced all saints who gathered.

These were indeed wonderful times in the lives of the Latter-day Saints in the Holy Land.