Ronna Sue Liggett

Ronna Liggett passed away in Puyallup, Washington on Monday, February 19th, peacefully in her home. She leaves behind her daughters Trisha Loewen and Melanie Muller, son-in-law Chris Muller, granddaughters Darby Muller and Ailey Muller, and her brother Gary Mage. Ronna was preceded in death by her husband, Byron John Liggett III; her mother, Betty Jean Mage; and her father, Charles Mage.
Ronna was a lifelong learner and teacher across cultures and continents. From Portland State College, Evergreen State College and Clark College in Washington to the University of Nevada, Reno, to national and later international debate circuits, Ronna's path was rooted in teaching. Ronna taught Communication Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno for over 20 years, and coached the debate team during the latter half of her career. Upon her retirement in 2011, she continued volunteering as an international debate educator and adjudicator through 2024. Ronna's local and abroad experiences were very important to her, as were the friendships she made in the debate community. Ronna was truly a teacher of the world.
Beyond the classroom, Ronna's interests were reading, gardening, needle-point, taking classes online (Harvard X and The Great Courses), always learning, enjoying nature, and spending time with her beloved family and pets. She loved her family generously and was a loyal, kind-hearted friend to those who had the opportunity to cross paths in life. Ronna will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
"There never was any heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate." – Robert Frost
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 15 at 11:00 AM at Sumner Voiles Funeral Home, 15124 Main St. E., Sumner, WA 98390. We ask those who cannot attend to consider donating flowers to the service. An online memorial link will also be available via Ronna's Facebook page.