Patricia (Patty) Ronning, 83, passed away October 14, 2026. Patty was born in Gadsden, Alabama on August 24, 1943. She was a graduate of Gadsden High School in Gadsden, Alabama and Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. 

After her graduation, Patty moved to Augusta, GA to begin her teaching career. In Augusta, she met her future husband, Dennis Ronning. Patty and Dennis were married August 26, 1967. With Patty being from Alabama and Dennis being from South Dakota they compromised and moved to Springfield, Illinois.  By 1973, Dennis and Patty had grown tired of cold winters and moved themselves and baby Will to Savannah, GA where they became involved in the community, made lifelong friends, and raised their children.

Patty was known to all for her amazing cooking and entertaining. Her number one piece of entertaining advice was always start a party with an empty dishwasher! Not only was she known for her delicious food, but for having a home that was always welcome to guests. She truly loved to be surrounded by friends and family, often entertaining them with her quick wit.  For many years she shared her love of cooking and helping others by preparing and serving food at the Emmaus House Soup Kitchen.

In addition to many other talents, she was an accomplished bridge player, forming many close friendships around a card table.  She was a frequently requested and always reliable bridge partner and proudly achieved Life Master status from the American Contract Bridge League in 2014. 

Patty was most proud of her family. She lovingly raised Will and Alison and was always involved in their school, activities, sports, and friendships. She was adored by many of their friends from grade school, high school, college and beyond. Affectionately named “Cookie” by her grandchildren, one of Patty’s most treasured roles in life was being a grandmother.

She shared her passion for fashion with Grace, her love of history and politics with Julia, her enthusiasm for cooking with Max, and her love of a good college football debate with Joe. Nothing made her happier than playing games, eating a family meal, or spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Patty was predeceased by her husband, Dennis Ronning, and her son, Will Ronning. She is directly survived by her daughter Alison Mahfet, son in law Danny Mahfet, daughter in law Beth Ronning, grandchildren Grace Mahfet, Julia Ronning, Joe Joe Mahfet and Max Ronning, brother Will Lawrence (Sally), niece Mary Pat Weiss (Todd), nephew John Lawrence (Jamie), and many other special friends and family members that will miss her dearly.  The family would like to especially thank Coastal Care Partners and most especially the “Cookie Monsters”.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Greenwich Cemetery Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA, 31401 or Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA  31405.