Ragnhild "Ronnie" B. (Baker) Seiler

After naming their beloved first child, Ragnhild Larson Baker in honor of her Danish grandmother, her parents belatedly realized that few if any would be able to pronounce her name. So, for all of her 90 years, she has been known as “ Ronnie “.

Born on February 22, 1930 in Battle Creek Michigan, Ronnie Seiler graced all whom she encountered with her kind and generous spirit until her passing at home in Northbrook, Illinois on November 25, 2020. Enduring multiple bouts of cancer with dignity and grace over the last 15 years, Ronnie continued to be extremely active, swimming 5 times a week at the Northbrook YMCA and walking through the Chicago Botanical Gardens.  She loved nature and spent many happy years at her cottage on Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin. Ronnie was also deeply dedicated to her church of 64 years, St. Giles Episcopal Church in Northbrook, and served on many committees.

Ronnie first attended Bradford College in Haverhill, Massachusetts. After two years she transferred to and graduated from Northwestern University, earning first a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Masters degree in Education. She taught first grade in several Chicago suburban schools before raising her family. A prodigious pianist and singer,  Ronnie later put her musical passion to good use over the years in her role as Activities Director at both the Weinberg Community Center in Deerfield, IL and Green Senior Center in Chicago, IL.

Ronnie is survived by and will be greatly missed by her three daughters, Helen Seiler, Mary Seiler Collins and Louise Seiler. She was predeceased by her beloved second husband, David Raskin, first husband, Charles Seiler, brother James Robert Baker and cherished grandson, Ryan Michael Collins.

A Celebration of Life Event will be announced and held at a later date post-pandemic when it is safe to gather. Interment ceremony will be private at St. Giles Episcopal Church, Northbrook, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to the North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Rd., Northbrook, IL  60062.