Rhonda L. Mitchell

Monday, September 27, 1948
Date of Death:
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Age:
67 years old
Rhonda L. Mitchell
Rhonda Lee Mitchell, 67, of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016 after a long illness at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.
She was born September 27, 1948 to Joan and Darrel Keller of Rochester at St Mary’s Hospital. Rhonda spent her childhood years on a farm in the Mantorville area until 1959, when she returned to Rochester. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1966.
Rhonda married John Mitchell on April 27, 1968 in Rochester. She worked for Vocational Rehabilitation Services 1966-1982, then worked for Rochester Public Schools until 2010. She was an Elvis Presley enthusiast that enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Rhonda is survived by her husband John, son Ryan (Sarah) and daughter, Robyn (Smail); grandchildren, Safiya, Laila, and baby girl to come in June; mother, Joan Hernlem; sisters, Kay and Kim.
She is preceded in death by her father, Darrel; stepfather, Paul Herlem; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Keller and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Schlief Sr; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Jeffries.
A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 5:00pm-8:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, Minnesota. A funeral service will be at 10:30am Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester, with Rev. Nancy Wheeler Handlon officiating. A reception to follow in Wesley Hall.
Memorials are suggested to Season’s Hospice.
Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Rhonda L. Mitchell has received the following condolences.
We just got back from a trip and were told by Pat about Rhonda's passing. How sad. Even though I haven't seen Rhonda for decades, I can still hear her laugh. I loved her sense of humor. And I still listen to Elvis oldies and remember how much she loved him. Joan, we're thinking of you these days and hope you are getting through this. It was fun seeing you, Georgia and Karen a few years ago in Duluth. We live in Mesquite, NV now. If you're ever in the neighborhood......
love from David
Betty too
John, Robin, Ryan and Families: We were saddened to hear of Rhonda's passing. I have known Rhonda for many years and have always enjoyed her. She was a very good person and a wonderful Mom and she loved her family very much. Unfortunately we just arrived back in town so we were unable to attend her services but please know you are all in are hearts and prayers.
The Larson Family
To all of Rhonda's family:
I was saddened to hear of Rhonda's passing. I have fond memories of Rhonda and her family from when my parents (Leslie and Evelyn) and I would visit family in the Rochester area. Regretfully, after my parents passed, we all lost touch.
Rhonda certainly did love Elvis! She was always kind and full of laughter. She will be missed.
My prayers are with Rhonda's family and friends.
Was so sorry to hear about Rhonda's death. I met her in Jr. High and remember all the fun we had at one of her b'day slumber parties singing along to 45 records, dancing , eating pizza and listening to Elvis, of course. It was always fun to visit with her at class reunions and read the books and stats she created for our class. She was a kind and fun person and shall be missed.
Rhonda passionately loved Elvis' music and Brad Boice singing those famous/favorite songs. She was courageous -- took cruises even though her health was not the best. She was a force in Christ United Methodist Church (Rochester) to schedule Brad Boice for an entire morning Sunday worship service. The church was filled to capacity. Rhonda was a true fan and friend to so many. She will be missed but remembered. God bless her memory. Margaret Lex 3/16/2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be sure to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences to the entire family. Rhonda was a very genuine, kind and sincere woman.
Sincerely,
Mark Moen
I am sorry I was unable to attend Rhonda's service today, but I do wish to express my sincere condolences to all of you. I visited with her frequently at church and was sorry when I heard she was hospitalized. Ryan, she kept me informed about your teaching in Hawaii and I am glad that you have done so well. If you have time before returning, please give me a call at 282-3155. I live at Charter House.
With sympathy to all,
Warren Zimmerman
Rhonda worked at Holmes Elementary School which is where I got to know her. Ryan and Robyn were students there at the time. Rhonda was a library media center helper and volunteer when I was the library media teacher. She delighted in her family and was justifiably proud of her children and Husband John. Working with children was her "cup of tea" as she was always upbeat and positive. Rhonda also has a passion for music, especially that of Elvis Presley! Rhonda was fun, compassionate and caring --- a blessing to all who knew her! Colleen Arnold
John, Ryan, Robyn and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Ronda was a fun, kind and loving wife, mother and friend. We will miss the presence of Elvis' biggest fan! Fill your hearts with all the great memories you have of her.
God Bless,
Steve & Beckie Palmer
Dear John, Antie Jan & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Rhonda was a dear, kind & happy soul.
I was so touched when I saw her & spoke to her at Mark's memorial service in January. She said she didn't feel well, but then changed the subject & wanted to talk about traveling. That's spirit!
I'll never forget the many times Rhonda, as a teen, came to babysit Mark, Debbie & me. She made the time so fun. Elvis movies & music, popcorn & all sorts of games.
My thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time. May God's love comfort you & bring you hope.
My sincere condolences,
Laurie Lynn Schlief Benjamin
To the family of Rhonda-
I am one of Robyn's classmates in the Nurse Practitioner program at Augsburg. On behalf of our class, I would like to extend our love and prayers during this very difficult time.
With love,
Allison
Dear John, Robyn and Ryan!
so sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady who will be sorely missed. You have our deepest sympathies....
Love, Ron & Helen Sturgis
To the family of Rhonda Mitchell, We send our condolences to all. John we are very sorry. God bless.
To John and Joan and the rest of the family, please accept my deepest sympathies on Rhonda's passing. I will always have wonderful memories of our childhood together. May she rest in peace and may your memories of her always be bright and happy. Love, Pat
So sorry to read of Rhonda's passing. She was loved by all. I am sure Elvis's music will send her to heaven!!. We are in AZ and will miss seeing all of you. Our prayers are with you.
Dick and Deedee Odell