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BORN
1945
DIED
2006
Ronilee LaBree Obituary
Born with a natural artistic talent, Roni loved to paint ever since she was a little girl. Her passion for art followed her throughout her lifetime. She went on to become a very well known teacher and published author of a series of books entitled "Enjoy the Seasons". She taught numerous people how to paint in her 40+ years of teaching. Always encouraging to her students, some became her closest friends. Deemed "The Energizer Bunny" with her can-do attitude and high spirit, she was her own greatest cheerleader. When first diagnosed with cancer, her comment was "I think they got my chart mixed up with someone else's. I have a lot more painting to do!" We can only believe that God must have needed a qualified teacher in Heaven.
Roni was a loving mother, supportive sister and extremely proud grandma. Her favorite things in life were her family, her faith and her great love for her grandkids, Bryce and Carli. She spent a considerable amount of time with them taking walks on the beach "searching for treasures", eating ice cream, dancing and of course painting.
Roni was always known to brighten up a room with her big brown eyes, beautiful smile and humor. You could never enter a room without hugs and kisses and you were always told you were loved. Some of her mottos were "never give up", "love everyone", "have faith", "dance a good dance" and "never go anywhere without your lipstick".
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Peterson, her sweet mom, Arline Foster, and her step-daddy, Bob Foster. She is survived by her son, Michael; daughter, Michelle and Chad Vandenhaak; sister, Peggy and Dick Reedy; sister, Penny and Bruce Staggs; two grandchildren, Bryce and Carli; stepmother, Renie Peterson; several loving cousins and extended family; and wonderful friends.
A 'Celebration of Life' is planned for Sunday October 22, 2006 at 4 p.m. at Christ the King Church/Birch Bay Square/North of Bellingham (Exit 270). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice Foundation. Please share your memories of Roni and sign the guestbook at www.tdn.com/obits.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronilee LaBree
Nancy Ferguson
February 16, 2007
Just today I found out about Roni's passing. I am so shocked and saddened. I too am a decorative painter and I love painting Roni's landscapes, especially her barns and trees. The world of decorative painting has lost a talented artist and she will certainly be missed. I send prayers of support to her family.
Carolyn Noll
February 14, 2007
I was blessed to meet Roni at Michael's Craft Store. She was teaching a class and my husband encouraged me to sign up for a class. I told her I had never painted but would love to learn. The very next class I was there with bells on and eager to learn. She was best teacher ever and she had such patience. She taught me to paint and to have faith in myself. And practice practice practice. I have sold a few of my Paintings, thanks to Roni. She will sorrily be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Her children Michael and Michelle and the rest of her family.
Hugs, Prayers, Angels and Love
JANET DEININGER
January 1, 2007
I am truly saddened by the loss of a dear friend. I once lived in White Rock, Canada and after seeing one of Roni's paintings, I knew I had to take her painting classes. I drove down to her studio in Bellingham every week for a year just to experience her unique painting talents. We became very good friends and helped each other through some difficult times. Roni always had a positive attitude and her smile was contagious. Right from the first, I told her she needed to publish her work but she did not know if she could put into words what she felt in her heart. Her talent was a gift from God that she wanted to share with others. So she held classes to teach others how to create wonderful pieces of art. I have since moved back to the States and regrettably have not kept in touch with her. One day a few months ago I was in a craft store and could not believe my eyes...Enjoy the Seasons by Roni Labree. How proud I was to say that I knew this wonderful lady and friend. Her dream finally came true, she was published. Now her vision will live on through the paintings of others. I am fortunate to have purchased several pieces of her original work for my home.
Whenever I look at them, I remember a wonderful, kind, loving lady who was an inspiration to all who knew her. You will be missed.
Sonja Cavens-Harman
October 26, 2006
"Mrs" LaBree was one mom I definitely will always remember from growing up. She was so kind, always smiling and great to us kids. You're a lot like your mom, Michelle. Michelle and Mike, you guys are in my thoughts.
Roni teaching in June 2006 Near Myrtle Creek Oregon, Thank you Roni
Judy Johnson
October 25, 2006
Roni will be missed for sure, but will live on through her great talent. I just took a class in Oregon with her not long ago, she has a loving spirt. Until Later Roni, Love and God Bless, Judy Rae
Peggy Wetle
October 23, 2006
My heart is sad to say the least as well as anyone's who knew Ron. She was as beautiful inside as she was outside. We spent many hours talking when both of us were going through diffiuclt times and I will never forget her kind heart and beautiful smile! Her talent was awesome as well as her teaching skills. I do believe I was the only student she had that "erased" their painting when it didn't look right.
God truly has a beautiful angel that will continue to bring joy forever. God bless her children aand family.
Peggy Wetle (Granbury, TX)
Billie Embley
October 23, 2006
God gave us all a gift with Roni. Words cannot explain how much she will be missed. My heart goes out to all her family....my prayers are with you. God Bless you.
Cathy P.
October 22, 2006
Roni was a great artist and teacher. I learned a lot from her and it was a great pleasure to paint with her. I'm saddened by her passing and my condolences to her family. She will be missed.
Denise Kopel
October 22, 2006
To Roni’s family and closest friends, I send my deepest sympathies. From the way she spoke of all of you in our classes, you were clearly the center of her universe. She loved you all very much.
To Roni, I say “Thank You”. You were a fabulous teacher and great friend. Your paintings have always warmed my heart. I no longer see the sky on a sunny day as being just blue. I see it in combos of Light Buttermilk, Hi-Lite Flesh, Baby Blue and Country Blue. How fitting that on the day of your service the skies in Western Washington are just that. Love & hugs, my dear friend.
Yoli Rahier
October 22, 2006
One day my friend called and asked if I would like to take a painting class, we walked into Roni's little studio in her Longview home,what seems to me ages ago, what a great feeling it was to meet there once a week to learn and just get togheter with a great teacher and a bunch or friends, she would laugh at our efforts and say oh! don't worry we can fix it...its OK! you are doing great, I think of that often when I fail to capture what I want and I try again. Thank you Roni for filling my heart with Love for painting and allowing me to see the possibilities. My heart hurts to hear of Roni's passing, my love and prayers goes to the family and friends. Just look up at the heavens and see the different strokes, Roni will be there enjoying the greatest canvas of all. You gave us so much Joy!! You will be trully missed.
Debbie Ruttenberg
October 22, 2006
While living in Washington, I took a class from Ronnie a few years ago and loved it! Loved her for her wit, patience and especially her talent. Ronnie will be missed by so many that I am sure she was never aware of her Sphere of Influence in the painting world. My sincerest condolences to her close friends and her family.
Ada Belle Davis
October 21, 2006
Roni was a friend of many years. We attended many painting workshops together.
She was a delight to be around and a lovely painter. Her style had changed over the years but it just got better and better. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Debbie Gill
October 20, 2006
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news that we have lost one of our sweetest painters and very talented teachers in our art world. She was not just a great artist but good friend and loving person. My prayers and thoughts are with her friends and family. I will miss her alot. ~Debbie~
Roy & Betty McGill
October 20, 2006
I consider it a privilege to have been able to have had Roni for a friend. She spent time in my home and we have such beautiful memories of those times as well as some hilarious ones, of course.
Jody Zintz
October 20, 2006
Michelle,
So sorry for the loss of your mom. Thinking of you and keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jody Phillips-Zintz
Rose Garnick
October 20, 2006
I was so sad to here of the loss of a wonderful friend. Roni gave me back a love for painting. She taught me more in the 3 years I painted with her than all my previous years. I will miss her greatly. We had so much fun in class. She was so talented and encouraging, and just a delight to paint with. My deepest sypathy goes out to Roni's family. May God give you comfort.
Anita Moody
October 20, 2006
I remember the day that I sat next to Roni in one of those classes where we all came to learn, she shared a disire to publish a book of her love for painting. I encouraged her that nothing was impossible with her kind of faith and the gifts God had given her, it was shortly after that I saw her first publication. And a dream come ture, I am so thankful that Roni's dream came ture. May God comfort all the family, and may Roni's blessing and her art she has left behind bless us all.
Arlene Harrison
October 20, 2006
While I've never actually met Roni, I have all of her "Seasons" books and love her designs. I also enjoyed her posts on Tolefriends as she shared her knowledge. A great talent and a caring lady who will truly be missed.
Lynda, Hospice RN
October 20, 2006
It was my honor to help Roni remain comfortable in her last days and to help support her family and friends through her passing. It was obvious she touched many lives with her art and wit. What a gift.
Barb Fortier
October 19, 2006
My heart is saddened at the passing of my dear friend Roni. I will miss her so much, as will we all. We have lost a great talent. Her suffering is now over, she is at peace. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family.
Joyce Edwards
October 19, 2006
I'm so sorry to see that Roni has passed on. She was my tole painting teacher for 2 years in Longview. She was a wonderful woman,and will be sadly missed by all. May God be with her family and friends.
Chris Weber
October 19, 2006
I have only known Roni through her wonderful sharing of her painting. The artistic world has lost one wonderful lady. My sincerest sympathies to the family.
Suzanne Felt
October 19, 2006
I am so thankful that I walked into Roni's shop ten years ago. She encouraged me to come take lessons from her, and I am so thankful for that. She was such a talented lady, a wonderful teacher, a beautiful woman, and a valued friend. I am going to miss her so much. She made me promise that the "Wednesday Ladies" would continue painting. I will miss her beautiful smile, and wonderful hugs. I love you Roni!
Jeanie Dixon
October 19, 2006
What a great loss to Tolefriends and all the Artists and Artists-To-Be. ~sigh ~
I have several of Roni's packets and will treasure them forever.
Roni, A great Artist and Teacher.
Judy Simms
October 19, 2006
I remember the day she was diagnosed and her strength and laughter that she never lost. That beautiful smile. Sitting around the kitchen table and just talking. She gave the best hugs. My thoughts are with her family. We were all so lucky to have her in our lives. I miss her.........
Sharon Woolsey
October 19, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Roni passing away. She was a wonderful lady and fabulous painter. I am an owner of an art store and need to contact someone in the family. I have some of Roni's original work and need to find out whether the family would like these back. Please contact me.
Gloria Falk
October 19, 2006
I had the opportunity to meet Roni one time and what a delight she was, she always seemed to have a smile for whomever she met. I knew her mainly through the online painting group of Tolefriends. She will be missed by all who knew her. To her family: Keep memories of her in your heart and she will never be far from you. God bless you.
Lisa Fraser
October 19, 2006
I'm very glad I got to meet Roni and attend one of her workshops. She had a lot to teach, and happily, the knowledge she shared will continue going out into the world every time one of her students picks up a brush. That's really what life is about, isn't it? What we can give to others. She did well.
Margie Crawford
October 19, 2006
I am saddened by Roni's passing. What a loving, talented person she was! I had the privilege of painting in a class of hers last year and won a raffled original of hers! She made the two projects that weekend seem so easy for this novice painter. They remain among my favorites.
Her smile and generous hugs were contagious. Her courage was impressive.
Judi McCourry
October 19, 2006
Roni was a beautiful artist and a good friend. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
I had the pleasure of attending 2 of her seminars and she was amazing. She had so much talent and was so giving. I will forever remember her.
Suzanne Ritchie
October 19, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Roni's passing. Roni was a very special lady and touched my heart in a profound way. I was fortunate to have spent a couple of days with Roni painting last summer. She rekindled my artistic spirit and helped me to reconnect with an artistic passion deep within myself. I will always be greatful to her for that. Her spirit was amazing and her passion for painting intense. I offer my sympathy and prayers to Roni's family.
Becky Buttone
October 19, 2006
Every now and then someone comes into your life at exactly the moment they are needed. Roni was that person for me. She was a teacher, a mentor, and a valued friend. My deepest sympathy to Roni's children and family. She will be truly missed.
Mary Stainer
October 19, 2006
To the family: I so appreciate the special friend Roni was to me these past ten years. She always encouraged and brought the best out of my efforts to paint. I have such wonderful memories of her and loved her zest for living. It was pure joy to watch her grow in the Lord the last few years. I am missing her so, but very thankful for the times we shared. May the Lord comfort your hearts with His great peace.
Marty Bahlmann
October 18, 2006
I never met Ronilee but knew her through Tolefriends. She will be missed. I went to her website often to see her art work. I loved her paiting. I will miss her. May God be with her family.
Sue Mitchell
October 18, 2006
I knew Roni only through her wonderful art and her reputation in the decorative painting community as being a fantastic, loving lady as well as a most gifted artist & teacher. Knowing that she has gone to a better place, may those who loved her most celebrate the memories of the good times you spent with her. God Bless.
Sue Mitchell
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