We mournfully announce the passing of Ronica Lea McKinley on April 19th, 2024. Ronica was surrounded with love as she passed at home due to the effects of glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.

A gathering to celebrate her life will begin at 9:00am Saturday May 18, 2024 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. A time of sharing will follow at 9:30am.

Ronica was one of the most caring people brought into this universe and losing her will be felt by many people across the globe. Ronica obtained many degrees in her life, including a Bachelors in Child Psychology and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Ronica was most recently employed at John Deere in a product engineering capacity.

Ronica also achieved various levels of yoga teacher training and provided her coworkers with gentle yoga sessions online during the recent restrictions. Ronica was an active member of the Society of Women Engineers and was most recently the chairperson for their awards committee. Ronica also maintained an active participation with Society of Hispanic Engineers, and AISES. Ronica was the driving force and one of the founders of the global Indigenous Resource Group at John Deere.

In 1999, she married Thaddeus and they together developed a family with three children. Ronica was a loving mother whose presence and guidance will be greatly missed.

Ronica is survived by her husband Thaddeus, and three children Tavish, Keeho, and Taleah.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please donate or volunteer with a local charity of your choice.