Ronna Burke

Ronna Burke, age 59 of Newell, went home to heaven on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at her home, with her loving family by her side.

The funeral service was held Monday, August 30th, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.  

Ronna Dureen Lemmel was born November 20, 1961. She was the daughter of Louis and Bernice (Mettler) Lemmel.  Ronna grew up on the family ranch near Mud Butte. There she learned to love everything that the ranching life had to offer.  She attended the Stoneville School and graduated from the Newell High School. During those younger years she enjoyed barrel racing and 4-H activities.  Ronna was united in marriage to Patrick Burke in Sturgis, on July 25, 1981, and this past July they celebrated 40 years of marriage.  To this union four children were born: Chase, Camarae, Clint, and Crisinda. Ever since they got married, Pat and Ronna have ranched north of Newell, by Castlerock. She was always Pat’s partner with the operation of the ranch. In the summer months, her second home was the swather.  She loved caring for the livestock, especially the bum lambs and calves.  Ronna enjoyed riding horses, and participating in the Medora-Deadwood Wagon Trail ride. She was generous in many ways, always concerned with those in need. She would provide groceries and meat from the freezer to give to people who needed help. Her needs were always less important than other people.

Ronna was a wonderful wife , mother and grandmother. She had a great sense of humor, and she was a very kind woman and hardworking as well. She loved watching her kids and grandkids in sporting events, and was always so proud of them. Many memories were made with the grandkids when it came time to a ride on the 4-wheeler.  She loved doing that, and so did they.  Ronna will always be remembered for her love and kindness and the funny things she’d say.  She will be missed greatly by her husband and family and friends.

Ronna is survived by her husband, Pat of Castlerock; children: son, Chase (Kristin) Burke of Belle Fourche and children, Aydan, Ainsley, Rozley, Rhoan; daughter, Camarae (Brady) Lei of Nisland and children, Kaydence, Natalie, Rickeigh, and Tegan; son, Clint Burke of Castlerock; daughter, Crisinda (fiancé Mark Shorb) of Sturgis and daughter, Naomi. She is also survived by her father, Louis (Thea) Lemmel of Mud Butte; brothers, Rick Lemmel of Mud Butte, Ronny (Carmen) Lemmel of Faith, Rorey (Crysta) Lemmel of Whitewood; sister, Roxie (Tim) Tetrault of St. Onge; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bernice Lemmel.

Memorials are preferred, in lieu of flowers.