Veronica "Rona" Engelter

Veronica Ruth (Rona) Engelter was born June 17, 1949 to William Keogh Engelter and Veronica (Leick) Engelter in Mandan, ND.  She was the fourth of seven children.  She attended Christ the King School, Mandan High School, and Dickinson State College where she received her B.S. degree in Elementary Education.  Her first teaching position was in Richey, MT.  She then settled in Hamilton, MT, where she dedicated a long career to education, particularly the interests of special needs and gifted children.  Her love of teaching – more importantly, her love of children – touched countless lives across the Bitterroot Valley.  She was responsible for starting the Gifted and Talented program in Hamilton and continued to substitute after her retirement.

Rona’s legacy will live on in the memory of her joy and generosity, and the special, thoughtful books she was constantly sharing with friends and family (particularly children).  There isn’t anyone who knew Rona who doesn’t have a book that reminds them of her.  Known in Hamilton as ‘Ms. E’, her hallmark color was purple.  Family was a priority and the dear friendships she maintained through the years were an integral part of her life.  She loved art in all its forms.  Memories of Rona will always include her curiosity about the lives of her loved ones and her encouragement of their talents, her joy at finding beautiful art, her delight in trips with friends and family, and her unending devotion to opening the world for children through teaching.

She is survived by brother, Bill Engelter, and sisters, Mary Ann Eckroth, Barbara Williamson, Gretchen Hanna, and Meg Engelter Musante. She is preceded in death by both of her parents and a brother, James.

In addition, she was ‘aunt’ and/or ‘great aunt’ to many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.  She loved being a “great” aunt.

Please join the family for her committal service at the Mandan Union Cemetery on Friday, July 5 at 11:00 AM and following for lunch and sharing of memories as we celebrate her life.  Baymont Inn & Suites (Seven Seas), Mandan, in the Nautilus room.

A memorial has been set up in Rona’s memory at the Friends of Hamilton Schools Foundation where funds will be used for enrichment opportunities for the children (hsd3.org) attention Jill Hansen, PO Box 1514, Hamilton, MT  59804.

Please go to Rona’s Tribute Wall to sign the guestbook and share memories with her family.