05/10/2026
Ronna Jean Farley
June 25, 1950 — May 4, 2026
Ronna Jean Farley, 75, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves this world having lived a life centered on family, friendship, and creating a warm and welcoming home for all who knew her.
Born on June 25, 1950, in St. Ignace, Michigan, Ronna was the daughter of Barbara Jean (St. Louis) Powers and Ronald Powers. She was raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a place she carried in her heart her entire life. As the oldest of nine children in the close-knit family affectionately known as the “9 Rs,” Ronna naturally became a second mother to her siblings—offering love, guidance, and steady support that helped shape their family bond for generations. She is survived by her siblings: Randy, Ron, Rodney, Rick, Robert, Reinette, Roxanne, and Renée.
In 1968, Ronna met the love of her life, Thomas E. Farley, while he was stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base during his service with the United States Air Force. They were married on February 15, 1969, starting a life together centered on family, hard work, and shared experiences. Throughout Tom’s 20-year Air Force career, they embraced military life, raising their family while stationed in California, Okinawa, and New Hampshire. Wherever they lived, Ronna made it a home—warm, welcoming, and centered around family. Tom preceded her in death on June 3, 2020, and her family finds comfort knowing they are reunited once again.
Ronna’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her three loving children: Tamara (Tammy) Vitelli and her husband Christopher of Newmarket, New Hampshire; Tracie Ruggles and her husband Jeffrey of Claremont, New Hampshire; and James Farley and his wife Stacy of Penacook, New Hampshire.
She was the proud grandmother of nine cherished grandchildren—Kyle, Kaleigh, Kaija, Adam, John, Scarlett, Brynn, Jameson, and Drew—and the delighted great-grandmother of nine great-grandchildren—Liam, Brady, Mason, Payton, Kenneth, Kolton, Kane, Ronin, and Lily.
For more than 20 years, Ronna worked as the store manager of Casual Male Big & Tall in Salem, New Hampshire. She took great pride in her work and formed meaningful, lasting relationships with her customers. She was known for her kindness, her ability to make people feel welcome and valued, and her genuine care for everyone she met. To many, she was far more than a manager—she was a friend.
Ronna found her greatest peace and happiness outdoors. She loved gardening and spent countless hours tending to her flowers and yard, always ensuring her home was surrounded by beauty, color, and life.
She also had a deep love for birdwatching and was affectionately known as “the bird lady.” Her yard was filled with birdfeeders, and she made sure her feathered visitors were always cared for, something that brought her great joy.
Ronna dearly loved her cat, Honey, who was a constant source of comfort and companionship. Honey passed only a few months before her, and they will now be laid to rest together—reunited once again.
Her bright and joyful personality was reflected in the things she loved. She adored Mary Engelbreit and Vera Bradley, surrounding herself with their colorful patterns and cheerful designs. One room in her home was dedicated entirely to her Mary Engelbreit collection—a space that perfectly captured her warmth, charm, and spirit.
Christmas was Ronna’s favorite time of year. She loved choosing the biggest real Christmas tree she could find and decorating it with care, while Tom handled the lights. Their home became the heart of family gatherings every Christmas Eve—filled with laughter, baking, and time spent together. Her fruitcakes and homemade cookies became part of cherished family traditions that will continue for years to come.
Ronna never lost her deep connection to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She cherished summers spent back home—picking berries, visiting the beaches along Lake Michigan, searching for stones, enjoying the dunes, and riding the truck trails she grew up around. These moments remained among her most meaningful memories.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas E. Farley, and her parents, Barbara Jean and Ronald Powers. Her family finds comfort in imagining her now at peace—surrounded by blooming flowers, birdsong, and the loved ones who welcomed her home.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Michele Fiorillo of Putney, Vermont, who lovingly helped to care for Ronna over the last two years. Michele’s compassion, patience, and dedication meant more than words can express. The family also thanks the staff at Sunapee Cove, Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice team, and The Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, for their care and support during Ronna’s final days.
Ronna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness, strength, and the life she built around her family will be remembered always.
Services:
Visiting Hours, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont, New Hampshire. 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a memorial service 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Burial Service, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire. 1:00 PM