Ronda Kay Walker, of Wheatland, was born on April 2, 1975, in Torrington, to Duane and Tiny Walker. She passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49 from a pulmonary embolism on January 15, 2025, at her most beloved place, Laramie Peak, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Ronda was raised and educated near Laramie Peak, beginning her schooling at Cottonwood Rural School before moving to Wheatland, where she attended Wheatland High School. During her time in high school, Ronda was a member of the National Honor Society and was honored as “Senior of the Year” by the International Thespian Society for the Class of 1993. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the Special Olympics. After high school, Ronda pursued her education at Laramie County Community College (LCCC), graduating in 1995 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems. Later, she followed her passion for Fire Science at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, where she graduated as the valedictorian of the Class of 2012.
Growing up, Ronda was an active and devoted member of the Mountain Dewer’s 4-H Club, where she excelled in sewing, cooking, and raising lambs. Her talent and dedication in raising sheep, particularly bum lambs, led her to develop a successful herd. Her hard work earned her numerous accolades, including Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, and the Pen of Three awards, along with many others.
Ronda’s career in Fire Science was a lifelong passion, guiding her in many directions while keeping her focus on fire prevention, suppression, and training. She served the Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) for 15 years and was an active member of the Laramie Peak Fire Zone (LPFZ) from a young age. She became a respected leader and was serving as the President of the LPFZ at the time of her passing. Throughout her fire career, Ronda built meaningful friendships across Wyoming. She found joy in organizing classroom and field training sessions and dedicated herself to the LPFZ’s success. Among her favorite fundraising efforts were the LPFZ Poker Run and the Buffalo Raffle Hunt, events for which she spent countless hours planning and preparing. Her leadership and unwavering dedication were instrumental in shaping the LPFZ into what it is today.
Ronda had a heart as big as the mountains she loved so deeply. She was a devoted daughter, sister, sister in-law, aunt, and niece, always putting family first and sharing her boundless love and generosity.
Ronda is survived by her mother, Tiny Walker of Laramie Peak; brothers, Wade (Dot) Walker of Cheyenne and Tim (Leah) Walker of Wheatland; nephews, Vern (Karen) Jones of Casper, Logan Walker of Houston, Texas, and Kelby (Ashlie) Walker of Wheatland; nieces, Kim Britton of Wheatland and Kristi (Jamie) Rietz of Wheatland; as well as many great-nieces and nephews and several beloved aunts and uncles.
She was preceded in death by her father, Duane Walker of Laramie Peak.
Services will be “held” at a later date when the weather conditions are better.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ronda’s memory to the Laramie Peak Fire Zone - LPFZ 1836 Cottonwood Pk Rd Wheatland, Wyoming 82201.