Farewell, Ronel

Grocott's Mail invites friends and former colleagues of Ronel Bowles to send tributes to her to be published in our 14 August edition. Ronel passed away in the early afternoon of Tuesday 4 August.

Surrounded by her family, she died in hospital in Port Elizabeth as a result of complications from an illness. S

he leaves a close-knit family, with her husband, Linsley, daughter Chade, son Hewitt, sister Martie, brother-in-law Anthony and niece Jessica, along with a wide circle of friends and business associates.

Chair of the Board of Grocott's Mail, Lynette Steenveld, expressed her condolences to Ronel's family, and shared the organisation's deep shock and sense of personal loss.

"As the head of the advertising and marketing division, Ronel was central to the weekly miracle that brings together advertisers and journalists to produce our 140-year-old Grocott’s Mail," Steenveld said.

"She was much loved, as she was in many ways the heart and backbone of the organisation.

"She will be sorely missed."

Former colleagues at the Albany Museum, where Ronel began her working career, also expressed great sadness at her passing.

Ronel Nel, as she was then, began work as a receptionist at the Albany Museum at the age of around 19 after matriculating at Alexandria High School.

"She quickly made her mark as a favourite staff member," said Curator Emeritus at the Albany History Museum Fleur Way-Jones.

Ronel then became assistant education officer before joining Grocott's Mail as advertising manager on 1 May 1998.

In an increasingly challenging business environment, she was recently promoted to business manager.

Ronel's family have announced that a wake will be held next week to celebrate her life.

They have invited friends and former colleagues to join them at the Grahamstown Christian Centre, Plumbago Street, Cradock Heights at 10am on Tuesday 11 August.