"Ronnie, I'm devastated and extremely saddened that you are no longer here with us. We had a workshop class at Tyee Middle School and we talked a lot in the hallways at Newport High School you were a brave soul who always made me happy. I will forever celebrate you and you're greatness. You were my favorite person in my school career. I will miss you so much and I will forever think of the great times we had together. - Karolina "
In loving memory of
Ronie Puim
June 6, 1999 - July 5, 2016
Ronie Puim, a high school junior of Bellevue, WA, died unexpectedly on July 5, 2016 at the age of 17.
Ronie is survived by her mother, Leonita Puim, stepdad, Mike Sapiens, sister, Shnia Puim, and grandparents. She is predeceased by her father, Ronald Frank Puim, and grandparents.
Ronie was born in Berkeley, California on June 6, 1999 to Ronald Frank Puim and Leonita Jasulin Meraveles. She was born as a male and transitioned to a female at the age of 13. When Ronie was five years old, she already knew that she was different but kept it to herself until she got the courage to come out after years of struggling with depression and anxiety. Even though she carried this heavy burden, Ronie tried to stay happy for those she loved and continued to put others before herself. However, to keep from hurting those around her, she felt the need to push them away in order to keep them safe. With the hardships of social pressure and her own declining health, Ronie's heart gave up on her.
Ronie was free-spirited and kind to the people she met, and touched many lives. She had a big personality with a big-heart to go with it and was always willing to help those who were less fortunate than herself. Everyone who knew Ronie will never forget how sassy and feisty she was and will remember her drive to make others laugh. Though her life may have been short, she accomplished a lot despite the obstacles that she had to face every day. By being a part of GSA in high school and the LGBTQ community, she contributed a great deal to others who struggled to come out. The last month of her life, she made the decision to return to church and to have God back in her life.
Ronie's mother, Leonita, would like to acknowledge all of the people that supported Ronie and her family over the past years, including the staff at Sound Mental Health, Youth Eastside Services, Overlake Specialty School and Sammamish High School.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on July 27, 2016 at the Newport Hills Community Church in Bellevue, Washington. Pastor Paul Burnham Jr. will lead the service.
I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Pictures of You,
Pictures of you, they're still on my mind
you had a smile that could light up the world.
Now it rains, it seems the sun never shines
and I drive down this lonely road.
But I know that you've got to fly with ANGELS.
HEAVEN awaits your heart
and flowers bloom in your name.
You know it hurts me way deep inside
when I look and find you're not there.
I try to convince myself, but the pain is still not gone
I've got this feeling, I may have to let you go
and i know that you've got to fly to the ANGELS
HEAVEN awaits your heart and flowers bloom in your name
You've got to fly to the ANGELS
All the stars in the sky shine in your name
I'm going to miss you my beautiful Daughter.
Service and Life Story information for Ronie is being developed by the family and will be posted as soon as it becomes available. You are welcome to leave a message or share photos for the family in the tribute tab above.
Tributes
"Ronie, you and I only first met since I was a freshman at Newport in 2015. I only last saw you on October and moving to Northern Sammamish and about to lift off to Portland for Thanksgiving vacation. I will never forget you and rest peacefully, Ronie!"
"Ronie, you and I only first met since I was a freshman at Newport in 2015. I only last saw you on October and moving to Northern Sammamish and about to lift off to Portland for Thanksgiving vacation. I will never forget you and rest peacefully, Ronie!"
"Ronie, you and I only first met since I was a freshman at Newport in 2015. I only last saw you on October and moving to Northern Sammamish and about to lift off to Portland for Thanksgiving vacation. I will never forget you and rest peacefully, Ronie!"
"Ronie was just learning to walk the last time I saw her. There was no transition, of course, but it only seems fitting to use that pronoun. I knew her mother years, and years ago, who married the person that was my step-father after my own mother died. I'm sorry to hear that Ronie is gone now, and for having had learned of the loss so long after it happened. Rest Peacefully, Ronie."
"Ronie used to come into the SHS library quite a bit & lit it up with her sly sense of humor & wit - she will be missed. RIP, Ronie."
"Ronie was one of the many amazing students that I encounter each and every day at SHS. What I admire most about Ronie was her determination, spirit, and compassion for her fellow students. She was truly a wonderful human being. One story in particular was when Ronie and I were working one-on-one. It was time for her to take a break, and we were discussing her experience as a transgender individual. She had such incredible insight and compassion regarding many of her experiences. One thing she noted that there were not a lot of representations of individuals like herself in the media and how that lack of representation could be hurtful for those who are struggling with such issues. One of my favorite plays is Jonathan Larson's RENT, which features a variety of diverse individuals, including a transgender person of color. But more than that, RENT reflects themes of struggle, discovery, friendship, and above all, love. I'll always remember how genuine she was both in spirit and in that moment: the way she swayed to the music, her delight in the character Angel, her hilarious commentary on the more salacious aspects of the play after reading the summary. She was, then, and always will be the real deal. "
"Ronie was my student in US History for too brief a time last fall. I was impressed with her honesty, candid self reflection and wit. I am so sorry that she is gone. And I am so sorry for your devastating loss. I will keep you in my thoughts. "
"Dear Leonita,Mike & Shnia... I'm deeply saddened by the sudden loss of your beautiful child. We have known Ronie for many years,through the good and the bad. Hunter,our son,appreciated Ronie helping him in his Social class at high school and truly enjoyed her. Leonita,you have been a rock and safe haven for her and I pray that God's loving arms lift you up above all the pain and confusion you may feel right now. She loved you deeply and you showed your deep love to Ronie and to everyone around you as well as her"
"Dearest Leonita...my heart aches for you as you grieve for your beautiful child. You have written such a heartfelt tribute to Ronie's precious life. As a believer I am especially thrilled to read how she came back to the church...she is truly safe now in the Lord's loving arms. I also want you to know that I have always thought you were such a compassionate, caring mother to Ronie. You were always there for her and did so much to help her through her struggles and challenges. I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. I will never forget her....Love and Hugs to you all...Maureen Duffy, Ronie's school nurse at Tyee and Sammamish"
"Ronie was my student a couple of years ago and I remember her as an intelligent, compassionate person. I was fortunate to know her then and I am sorry for the loss of her precious life. I will keep your family in my prayers. "
"R.I.P Ronie, Shane, Kyle, Conner"
"This girl was loving person she cared about everyone I'm didn't get to say my last words if I could it would be you always be in my heart I will never forget you "
"Ronie was a beautiful soul, she touched so many people's life's. I am deeply sorry for your loss.. I'm still in shock.. she will be missed. I don't know gods plan, but I know she's in a better place. "
"Ronie, you and I haven't got along very well in the past, but I have never thought of you as my enemy. Rest in piece.
"