Rhonda L. Stansberry

Rhonda L. Stansberry

(1947-2018)

Rhonda L. Stansberry of Omaha passed away Friday, August 3, 2018.  Rhonda was born on March 17, 1947 in Des Moines, Iowa to Floyd and Marjonnelle Sutterfield and later raised in DeSoto, Missouri graduating St. Pius X High School.  Her passion for words and writing began at an early age.  She won the 1960 Missouri State Spelling Bee.  She was a proud alumna of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and enjoyed a life-long career as a journalist and feature writer for newspapers including the Columbia Daily Tribune and 30 years with the Omaha World Herald.  Following her retirement, Rhonda concentrated on her other passion: all things rooted.  She achieved a Master Gardener certification and volunteered with the landscaping work at Henry Doorly Zoo.

 Rhonda was devoted to her family.  She is survived by her husband, Mark, sons Douglas and Michael, grandchildren Jaiden, Jocelyn and Anderson Stansberry, sister Anne Cousin and brother Roy Sutterfield.  She was preceded in death by her parents.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to KIOS FM, Omaha Public Radio, or Lauritzen Gardens.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate and expert care provided by the University of Nebraska Medical Center staff during her final illness.

A celebration of Rhonda’s life will be held at a later date.

 

13 Comments

  • Mark Stansberry Posted August 5, 2018 6:10 pm

    Rhonda has always been my source of strength and I have always admired her innate ability to face any crisis with calm and resolve. Her ability to connect with so many people has always amazed me and her wonderful sense of humor has provided many laughs and enjoyable memories. She raised two wonderful sons who adore her. She has been taken from us way too soon with very little warning. Her character is best summarized in the following: When I asked her what she wanted during her treatment, she simply replied “I don’t want to be a problem”. Rhonda, you were never a problem. You held this family together and we will love you forever

  • Louise Roderman Posted August 5, 2018 8:25 pm

    There are no words to describe my heartbreak. I loved Rhonda Lee dearly and I send my condolences to all of you

  • Michele Matt, Posted August 5, 2018 11:48 pm

    I always looked up to Rhonda for her many interests and knowledge about the world we lived in. She was a great story teller and told so many through her eloquent writing. I admired her green thumb and quick wit. My condolences to those who were blessed to call her their sister, wife, mom, aunt, grandma, coworker and friend. I will never forget her contagious laugh n love for life! Hugs to the family, Mic

  • Jeanne and Pat Salerno Posted August 6, 2018 10:07 am

    Pat and I are deeply saddened to read of Rhonda’s passing. We enjoyed being your 68th Avenue next-door neighbors; and, when we crossed paths with Rhonda from time to time, we always enjoyed hearing about your lives, Doug and Mike, as you grew up. Mark, your tribute to Rhonda captures the essence of her. With our heartfelt sympathy, Jeanne

  • Gary Domet Posted August 6, 2018 11:40 am

    I worked at the WH for 30 years and I am proud to have known Rhonda. There was a time back in the day that the newsroom and advertising didn’t see things the same. Rhonda was never like that …a sweet, smart and kind woman. I will miss seeing her st our retirement lunches. God bless her!

  • Deborah Downey Clark Posted August 6, 2018 12:39 pm

    My deepest sympathies to Mark and the boys. I worked with Rhonda briefly and she was a gift to us all. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

  • LARRY SPARKS Posted August 6, 2018 6:28 pm

    I had the pleasure of working with Rhonda for many years at the OWH. She is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met and her great sense of humor always made her fun to be around. She will be missed.

  • Jen Weinlaub Posted August 6, 2018 10:29 pm

    Rhonda was a joy to work with and I miss her contagious smile. I’m so sorry that she was taken too soon.

  • Terry Shevchenko Posted August 7, 2018 8:58 am

    My heartfelt condolences & blessings to Mark, Mike, Doug, the grandchildren, family & friends. Rhonda was a refreshing and delightful neighbor while living on 68th Ave. I have cherished our many conversations & laughs while sitting on your front porch steps, often sipping a glass of wine together. You’ll be missed by all of us who you touched personally and through your writing & your many other talents.

  • Janelle File Posted August 7, 2018 3:35 pm

    Rhonda was a friend, customer and book sharer. She loved her family and I felt I knew them even though we never met. I loved her sense of humor and genuine concern for others. She was someone you could count on to rise to any situation. I will miss her.

  • Jeanne M Hauser Posted August 9, 2018 8:59 am

    My condolences to the family. I will miss Rhonda and her wonderful spirit.
    I always laugh as I think of her nickname “Wrong way Rhonda” due to her being directionally challenged. I enjoyed hearing about her travels and adventures — praying that she would eventually show up to her planned destination!!
    We shared many lunches, dinners, talks and shopping trips over the years. My trips to Chico’s will never be the same.
    Thank you for being such a wonderful friend. God bless you my friend. Jeanne

  • Tim Horning Posted August 12, 2018 8:29 am

    Mike… So sorry you lost your mom. I know how it feels, and I am heartbroken for you… Tim

  • Bruce Hollenbeck and Forrest Mason Posted August 27, 2018 2:33 pm

    Mark, Doug and Mike,
    We’re so sorry for you loss, it’s such a difficult time for all of you and we know that everyone wishes there was something we could do to ease your pain and grief…we also know that very little will help in the short-term and time will soften your pain. Rhonda was a very special person, and we know she was much-loved by all of you and probably by everyone who knew her. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.

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