Our Founder Deanna

My husband of almost 25 years, Ron, died suddenly from a heart attack in 2015.  He was  only 49 years old.  He left me and our four daughters to navigate this life without him.

One year later, on Mother’s Day morning, I laid awake contemplating my life and circumstances. Ron always ensured our daughters made me feel celebrated on Mother’s Day. He would take them shopping spending too much money to lavish me with gifts. This year I was wondering who, with Ron gone, would take that role.

I began thinking about Ron and his heart for those in less fortunate situations, including widows and single moms. Ron was one of the most caring, creative and compassionate people I have ever known. He had a way of putting together unique and creative ideas to minister to people, meeting their practical needs in many ways, like taking children to buy Christmas gifts for their mothers. As these thoughts were rolling around in my head, Ron’s Way was born. A blending of my new life circumstances, while carrying out the legacy of my husband and honoring the life he lived by making a difference in the lives of widows. Loving and supporting them in practical ways, bridging the gap left from the loss of their spouse.

When I first began this ministry, I was focused on doing things “for” the widows. And while that is still something that we do – I have learned while walking this journey myself, building friendships with other widows, someone who just “gets it” is one of the greatest gifts there is. It brings healing to visit with others. I focus a lot on creating an environment and opportunities for widows to come together and get to know one another. I have found, you just can’t help feeling like your burden is a little lighter when you leave one of our events.

My mission is that those who have experienced the loss of a spouse will know that they are not alone on this journey. Knowing that we can never fill the gap left behind by a spouse, our hope is to bridge the gap by being the hands and feet of Jesus. I pray that Ron’s Way will provide healing to those who are hurting, friendship for those feeling alone, and give hope to those who are hopeless. But most importantly, I hope that Ron’s Way will bridge the gap between the widowed and a God who loves them so much that He sent His Son to die for them.

Bridging the gap,

Deanna Fisher Miller
Founder