Ronnelle “Roni” Cecelia Vanderbilt, born on September 10, 1942, on North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego, CA to Ronald and Phyllis Barry, passed away April 2, 2009, losing her battle with multiple cancers at the age of 66 years.
Roni went to many schools growing up as the daughter of naval personnel, finishing high school on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. She became a widow from first husband James Roach, April 1969, while living in Japan with their two children. Moving to Hollister, where her parents lived, Roni and her children started their lives over. Roni married Jack Vanderbilt, whom she remained married to until her death, living their lives in Hollister.
Roni was an active member of Daughter’s of the Nile, Islam Temple #25, San Francisco-San Mateo, where she had just completed her term as Queen for the 2008 year. She was also an active member of Athena Chapter of Eastern Star, Hollister, where she served as Worthy Matron three terms and a Deputy Grand Matron in the year 2000.
Roni has done many things and had many titles over the years, from working at Teledyne as their bookkeeper for ten years to running her own travel agency with her mother. Most people, who knew her, will remember her most for her wonderful laugh and total inability to sing, but she would try if you let her.
She is survived by her husband Jack Vanderbilt; mother Phyllis Barry both of Hollister; brothers Gerald Barry and Eugene Barry (Melva); son Ronald Vanderbilt of Santa Cruz; daughter Cecelia “Cissy” Gupton (Danny) of Hollister; grandchildren Ryan Vanderbilt, Cory Vanderbilt, Dakota Herrick and Cheyenne Herrick.
Services are being held at the First Presbyterian Church 2066 San Benito St., Hollister on Thursday, April 9th beginning at 1:00 P.M., with a reception to follow at the same location. Any donations can be made to either the Shrinner’s Childrens Hospital or the American Cancer Society c/o Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister.
Visit: www. grunnagle.com for condolences.
