GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - A dearly loved resident of Graaff-Reinet, Ronel Krige (65) passed away on Sunday, shortly before midnight, after falling ill three months ago.

The Krige family did not want to elaborate on her illness, but her daughter, Jonel Krige, said her mother smiled right to the end. "My mother's smile and sparkling personality were two of the characteristics people often mentioned," Jonel said.

She said her father Johan was by her mom's side until the end. "She died peacefully and at peace."

Ronel had been the chairman of the local SPCA branch for the past year. Before that, she served on the Graaff-Reinet Bowls Club management for seven years, where she was president of the club for four years. She had been playing bowls since the age of 35.

Advertiser Editor Paula-Ann Smit remembers that Ronel was the first person to welcome her to Graaff-Reinet when she moved to the town in June 2019. "She popped in with a bunch of yellow roses and I remember thinking how charming and well-dressed she was. She dedicated so much of her time to the community - she will be dearly missed."

Ronel is survived by Johan, Jonel, a son Paul, as well as two brothers and two sisters.

A private funeral service will be held on Friday 14 August at the Church Street Dutch Reformed Church.

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