A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Ronda Ritsema

Taking care of those around her has always been second nature for Ronda Ritsema. Whether she’s working at Cedar Creek Health Campus, volunteering with Crown Point Tri Kappa, or spending time with her family, Ritsema believes in showing up and being a pillar in her community.

Ritsema has worked at Cedar Creek Health Campus, an assisted living facility in Lowell, since 2014. As business office manager, she handles billing for Medicare, Medicaid, insurance companies and private-pay residents. When she started at Cedar Creek, Ritsema worked her way up, gaining experience in multiple departments.

“I believe working with the elderly takes a special person, because some people are intimidated or scared, but I love them. I embrace them. It’s sad when we lose somebody. I would say that’s the hardest part, because we connect with all the families,” Ritsema said.

This was not always her plan though. As a girl Ritsema spent summers with her grandparents in Minnesota. Her grandma worked at what they then called nursing homes. Ritsema remembers hearing residents screaming and feeling afraid. After training to work at Cedar Creek, she learned a lot about understanding the issues her residents face.

“I just sit down and have conversations with them, and they’ll become my best friends. Over the years I’ve had favorite residents that scream my name out, asking me to come back to work, and I would. I’d come back to work and sit with them until they fell asleep, or until they are calmed down. It’s humbling. Whether you’re an employee or a resident or a family member, we’re one big family here,” she said.

This community-oriented spirit bleeds into her work at Tri Kappa. Ritsema has been a member since 2003, previously served on the Tri Kappa board as recording secretary and currently serving as parliamentarian, helping oversee bylaws. The organization supports scholarships and community initiatives through fundraisers and service projects, including partnering with Meals on Wheels for Advent gift bags, working the gates at the Lake County Fair and participating in the annual kitchen tour.

“The most fulfilling parts of Tri Kappa are the sisterhood and giving back to the community. The generosity that this group of women has is impressive. It’s very fulfilling to see everybody giving their time, their talent, or their treasure. Some people can’t always give money, but they can give their time. Everyone has something to offer,” she said.

It was this sense of community that attracted her to Crown Point in the first place. Ritsema is originally from Davenport, Iowa, and has lived in Indiana since 1992. She has called Crown Point her home since 2003.

“My favorite part of Crown Point is how everyone comes together and supports one another. It’s a big city with a small-town feel,” she said.

She believes in always following her heart and trusting her instincts.

“I’ve always been a goal-oriented person. I set my own goals, but at the same time, I’ve always helped others succeed in their life goals. Eventually, I figured out that I need to put myself first in order to help other people. Always go with your gut instead of questioning yourself,” Ritsema said. I’m trying to be successful, so my daughters will be successful as well,” she said.

She has two daughters and grandchildren that mean the world to her. This family-first attitude is something that was instilled in her by her late father.

“My dad was my greatest influence until he passed away. He was my father first and foremost, then my best friend. If I needed anything or any kind of advice, he’d pick up the phone and just listen to me. He played a huge part of my life,”

These days she’s in full-on ‘Mimi’ mode, as her grandkids fondly call her. She enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, going for walks, and caring for their rescue dog. She feels fortunate her grandchildren live just seven minutes away, so she can see them daily.