The following is a eulogy, written by Ronald W. Wynkoop, Sr, which he read at the Funeral Mass for Ronnie.

November 10, 2007

For my Veronica (Ronnie): "Good Morning, God Bless You, I Love You!"

Veronica, my adorable bride of 54 years and my closest friend since childhood. You left me to respond to your Creator's call with such sudden force that I had not a second to understand your absence. Sharing my breath with you during your horrendous experience failed to revive you long enough to explain why you were leaving for all eternity.

Many hours of medical care and many thousands of tears later you breathed your last, and the Earth shook beneath my feet. My aching heart broke open and all my love poured out to you to ease you across the threshold into your rainbow of eternal dreams. Your promised "Mansion" of eternal existence now comforting you during an array of brilliant white lights announcing your arrival through your Master's gateway afforded you the opportunity to answer me that you will wait for me to join you in time for our grand reunion on our own "yellow brick road" forever.

With that thought in mind, knowing my bride is in safe hands, I still had to know the unexplained reason for her leaving in the first place, in essence, the medical reason and not the spiritual reason that is obvious to us all. I simply conclude that Ronnie had so totally absorbed herself in well-being over 54 years of constant whining that she picked up my Cross and carried it for me. She had secretly added my troubles to her own and the heavy burden eventually took it's toll. Though I expected to be purged of that sin before I can join Ronnie, I am convinced that the process will only take a few minutes because the Devil doesn't want me down there to foul up his operation. Besides, my destiny is to report to Heaven if I am to believe my beloved Marine Corps Hymn, that the streets of Heaven are "guarded by The United States Marines".

In summation, I have a final word for our creator:

Dear God, as You are well aware, You are familiar with the name of "Veronica" as my Veronica's mother occupied one of the thrones aside Yours back in 1975. Come to think of it, is that why You called Ronnie from our midst, to complete the balance of Your Pedestal?

Anyway, I want you to know that Ronnie is the spitting-image of her mother. Your Kingdom will never be more enhanced. However, there is one powerful requirement with Ronnie that only You must handle and that is simply that Ronnie needs to have her ice cream cone at night before she retires. If she has done her job well during the day You might put a cherry on the top. And be certain to tuck a napkin under her chin... she's a dribbler". Thank You.

Incidentally, if I am not allowed in Heaven, may I have a "hot-line" installed? Thank You, and, if I may, GOD BLESS YOU!