Family remembers a woman of 'contagious vitality'

A pregnant Deerfield woman who was shot and killed last week in her condo held her small-town roots dear while reveling in the fast-paced opportunities in Chicago.

And at 42, Rhoni Reuter more than anything wanted to become a mother, according to a family statement released this week.

The family remembers that Reuter called her parents every night in rural Potosi, Wis., to check in. She regularly traveled home for holidays, family functions and the sporting events of nieces and nephews.

"She loved movies, reading and popcorn popped on the stove," the statement said.

"She was of two worlds. She loved the quiet, rolling hills of her Wisconsin birthplace as much as the culture and excitement of her adopted home."

Reuter was found in her condo, where she lived alone, on the 400 block of Elm Street about 8 a.m. Oct. 4 after a neighbor reported hearing screams. There was no sign of forced entry and nothing was taken, police said.

The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. Reuter was about six months pregnant, according to Lake County Coroner Richard Keller. The girl had already been named Skylar.

Police said former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle was Reuter's boyfriend and father of the child. Police in a previous statement said he was cooperating and was not a suspect.

Reuter had a marketing degree from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, and had worked for many years at the former Marshall Field's store. She also worked at U.S. Foodservice in Rosemont and part time at Macy's.

According to a family spokesman, Reuter and Gayle had been involved in a relationship for 17 or 18 years. He attended the wake and funeral.

According to the family, Reuter also was a person of "incredible fitness and athletic ability" and would have run the Chicago Marathon last Sunday.

"Rhoni had an energy; a contagious vitality and a joy of life … she was optimistic and self-confident yet neither arrogant nor abrasive," according to the statement.

She had many longstanding friendships and has a "closet full of bridesmaid dresses."

Police have not released any new information since last weekend, when they said they're looking for a male teenager a witness reported seeing nearby.

Anyone with information is asked to call Deerfield police at (847) 945-8636 or the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force at (847) 377-4178.