Jason Ronai’s wife Krista dies after 7-year battle with brain cancer

Krista Ronai, the wife of Catholic Central graduate Jason Ronai, a member of the Irish’s 1996 state championship basketball team, died on Thursday in Chicago after a seven-year battle with brain cancer. She was 35.

The Springfield News-Sun chronicled Krista’s cancer battle in 2009, months after she was diagnosed.

“My role is to do whatever I can to help Krista stay strong, to help her fight,” Jason said then. “Everything in my life has prepared me to be here for her, so I’m trying to get strength from that. I’ve been through some very tough times and feel like I made it out OK.”

2009: Ronais have great support system from Maryland to Ohio

Krista’s cancer fight was featured in the News-Sun again in 2011. She was undergoing MRIs every four months to monitor the growth of the brain tumor.

“I think Jason has the hardest job,” Krista said then. “He’s usually teaching at school, and the appointment is in the afternoon. Jason’s just sitting there waiting for the 4 p.m. text and phone call. I know how scary that is for him.”

2011: Ronai family adapts to the 'new normal'

More information on Krista Ronai's life can be found on the couple's page at CaringBridge.org.

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