Veronica J. (Bursby) O'Rourke

Ronna O’Rourke, 82, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025 following her battle with cancer.

Ronna was born June 14, 1943 in Shiloh, Ohio to the late Willard W. and Dorthea J. (Partlow) Hill and was a 1962 graduate of Galion High School. In October of that same year, she married Bill H. Bursby and he preceded her in death in 1998.

She and Bill lived in Sulphur Springs, where they raised two daughters. In addition to being a homemaker, Veronica worked as a Nurse’s Assistant for about 10 years at both Galion and Bucyrus Community Hospitals. She and Bill owned and operated B & R Appliance for almost 20 years, proudly servicing appliances and electronics sold in both New Washington and Bucyrus. They also shared many years of camping and snowmobiling.

A number of years after his passing, she formed a relationship with William O’Rourke and in 2007, they married. She and Bill enjoyed socializing with family and friends and have experienced many travels to warm regions including a few trips to Jamaica.

Ronna was a talented seamstress, sewing her own alterations as well as sewed for family when needed. She enjoyed working outside with her daylilies and other flowers, as well as seeing that her home was neat and tidy on the inside. When family gathered, it always brought a smile to her face as she always prepared a feast for all.

Ronna is survived by daughters, Christine J. Spears and Kimberly S. (Roy) Addison; grandchildren, Nicole (Matthew) Buemi, Eric (Natalie) Butterman, Macey (Matthew) Cotter and Jonathan Royce “JR” (Stevi) Addison; stepchildren, Brad O’Rourke and Kelly O’Rourke; step granddaughter, Keirsten O’Rourke; great grandchildren, Morgan, Madelyn & Myles Buemi, Drew, Charli & Willa Butterman, Emmett & Ameliabell Jane Cotter, and Oaklynn & Royce Addison; brothers, Robert Hill of Waverly, NY, Randall Hill of Baltimore, MD and Michael Hill of Galion; sister-in-law, Doris Hill of Fountain, CO, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ronna was preceded in death by her first husband of 36 years, Bill Bursby; second husband of 18 years, Bill O’Rourke; brothers, Eugene Hill and Sonny Hill, son-in-law, Mike Spears and sister-in-law, Peggy Hill.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm Friday, November 21 at Wise Funeral Service, where Funeral Liturgy will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday with Fr. Paul Fahrbach as celebrant. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, American Cancer Society or to Back on Track (an organization that assists with medical expenses for motorcycle racers and their families). These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.