Rona Marie Rocha

Rona Marie Rocha passed away peacefully on the evening of January 24, 2018, with loved ones at her side after a brief battle with cancer. Rona was born on July 31, 1943, in Vineburg, California, to Richard and Rona Garcia.  She was known as Sugar (Sug) by family members.  She lived in Sonoma her entire life, attending local elementary schools and Sonoma Valley High School.  On April 29, 1962, she married Ronald Rocha at St. Francis Solano Church.

Rona was involved in Pop Warner football and Sonoma Valley Little League while raising her family.  She worked at several local businesses throughout the years as a bookkeeper, then became an integral part of Body Karma with her daughter Julie.  She enjoyed going on Jeep trips and camping with her young family and a tight-knit group of families.  More recently, Rona and Ron enjoyed going to drag races and go-kart/midget races with a local contingent of friends. Rona also enjoyed traveling with Ron, including cruises to Mexico, Alaska and the Panama Canal for their 50th anniversary.  In 2015, they went to Washington, DC, and on to Kentucky to attend their oldest granddaughter’s wedding.

Rona’s parents preceded her in death, as well as her stepfather, Harrison Johnson.  She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ron Rocha, brother Ron (Bonnie) Garcia, sister Sheri (Paul) Kanoho, daughter Cathy Gore (Greg Martindale), son Ronnie (Diane) Rocha, daughter Julie Martinez, grandchildren Whitney Gore (Joey Lyon), Alicia Scott (Spenser), Tanner Gore, Lindsey Rocha, Azalea Cross, Zephyr Martinez, great-granddaughter Mina Gore-Lyon, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh and smile.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 9, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Solano Church.  Donations may be made in her name to Hospice by the Bay or the charity of your choice.

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