Feb. 27, 1967 – Oct. 26, 2020
Rhonda Rena Rodriguez Maroney, 53, passed from this life Oct. 26, 2020. She was born to Samuel Rodriguez and Brenda Clair Graves Rodriguez Feb. 27, 1967, in Natchitoches.
A faithful and treasured friend, sincere and loving, her life was defined by the unwavering, absolute love that emanated warmly throughout her life. To Rhonda, as soon as a place in her heart was given, it was unconditional and without reservation, and as she journeyed through her time, she would ensure that there was always a little more room made and a new place found for others. The opinions of others and trials brought her no worry, she just knew how to love. This expressed itself in many ways, from her steady companionship to her daily phone calls to many, Rhonda never failed to show her care. So steadfast she was in those daily phone calls that if unanswered by chance, the call would immediately be followed by a familiar text, “Call Me Now.”
In her youth, she found a special love from her parents and translated that intimate spark to her sister, brother and precious cousin, Phoebe. There was rarely, if ever, an event she attended alone, often accompanying her family to just about every special occasion, playing games and enjoying pastimes with them and could always be seen riding shotgun with her daddy. Rhonda was ready to have a good time and helped create a memorable atmosphere by always being prepared and planning in advance to the last detail, becoming an accomplished party and cookout planner.
Her only child was Bear Maroney; though he probably never figured out that he was adopted, it was obvious to others due to his canine heritage.
Once she was blessed with additional generations from her immediate family, they became like her children, helping to raise them as her own. She was a believer, not only attending church but pouring herself into her faith, often singing the Gospel music that she adored, though she would listen to country on occasion. Many of her fondest memories were vacationing in the mountains and staying in cabins, simply adoring Branson and Silver Dollar City. In her simple, unassuming way, Rhonda touched the lives of any that crossed her path, made her mark on many hearts with her reassuring smile, and left those dear to her on the earth with a precious example of love and friendship that is rarely matched. As she passed beyond the veil of this mortality, though she will be missed, Rhonda arrived home, no doubt planning a special reception for the day appointed that her loved ones see her again.
Left to honor her memory are her sister, Julena Rodriguez O’Con; brother, Jason Rodriguez and wife Misty; nieces, Brooke O’Con Lewis and husband Devin, Jordan Rodriguez, and Abigail Rodriguez; grandnephew, Walker Lewis; cousin, constant companion and dear friend, Phoebe Leone Strahan and husband David; daughters of Phoebe, Olivia Strahan Berry and husband Joshua, Anna Strahan and Amelia Strahan; grandchildren of Phoebe, Liam and Leah Berry; and a host of family and friends, especially Crystal, John Michael, Getawn, Tracey and Coleman, each of who held a special place in her heart.
Preceding Rhonda in death are her paternal grandparents, Raymond “Chino” and Ruby Delacerda Rodriguez; maternal grandparents, Vernice L. and Fannie Mae Price Graves; cousin, Derek Rodriguez; favorite aunt, Una V. Bemelman; and uncle, Sam Rodriguez.
Rhonda’s life honoring funeral service was Saturday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. James E. Nailes officiating. Burial followed at Old Pisgah Cemetery, Marthaville.