Ronelva Ann (“Ronnie”)(“Ann”) Scates, age 95, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday October 22nd, 2026. Ronelva was born in Oak Lawn, Illinois on February 28th, 1931, to Roy and Anna Corder.
Ronelva Corder graduated in April 1949 from Rombauer High School in Rombauer, Missouri.
On August 19th, 1949 Ronelva Corder married Clifford Eugene Scates at the First Presbyterian Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and were married for 60 years. Of their union two children were born, Janice “Jan” (the late Hank) Varner of Keokuk, Iowa and Cynthia “Cindy” (Terry) Livell of Arnold, Missouri.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband, Clifford Scates. Also preceding Ronelva in death were her siblings Caroline (John) Paston, Alonzo “Lon” (Elva) Corder, Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Don) Schaer, John “Jack” Corder and Clara (John) Dunz, her Son-in-Law Hank Varner and her Great-Granddaughter, Charlie Varner.
Those left to cherish Ronelva’s memory are her children, Janice “Jan” Varner and Cynthia “Cindy” (Terry) Livell. Her Grandchildren, Earl Varner, Brent (Rita) Varner, Clinton Woolridge, Julie (Willie) Donald, Scott Woolridge and Jenny Woolridge. Her Great-Grandchildren, Sydney Woolridge, Austin Woolridge, McKenzie Hunter, Lilyann Varner, Landen Varner, Louis Varner, Gibson Donald and Gordon Donald.
Ronelva had been a member of First Baptist Church of Arnold Missouri since 1963.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Eyeglass Ministry at First Baptist Church Arnold or a charity of your choice are appreciated.
Services: A public visitation will take place at First Baptist Church Arnold (2012 Missouri State Rd. Arnold, MO 63010) on Tuesday October 27th, 2026 from 4-8pm. The following morning (Wednesday October 28th, 2026) an additional time of visitation will take place at First Baptist Church Arnold from 10am until the time of the Celebration of Life Service at 11am. Ronelva will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Thursday October 29th, 2026 at 10am. Those who are wishing to attend the committal service at Jefferson Barracks are to meet at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Saint Louis, MO 63129) at 9:30am to go in procession to the cemetery.