Rhonda (Thorpe) Thomas
April 17, 2010
Thomas, Rhonda (Thorpe), 52, beloved daughter and sister, tragically died Friday, January 29, 2010. Service 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 3, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. She is survived by her parents, David and Grace Dunlap of Wichita, sisters Deborah (Mark) Gorges of Wichita, Tammie (David) Pepin of Wichita, Susie Gibson of Florida, Jan (Doug) Stuhlsatz of Wichita and many nieces and nephews. Rhonda had a fun loving spirit that brought joy to all those around her. She had a heart of gold and cared so much about the less fortunate. Although she did not have children of her own, she always had a special connection with them, they were naturally drawn to her and she loved spoiling them. Rhonda also enjoyed music, wrote beautiful poetry and was very artistic. She shared her talents with those she loved. She will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Our prayers and love are with all of you facing this tragic loss. Michael and Vicki Chittum
we send our love and prayers. jodu,becky,paige,and davis gibson
Susie, I’m so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your sister. I remember Rhonda as a person always full of joy and kindness. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear family of Rhonda, My name is Anna. I got to know Rhonda because she worked last year at the cafeteria at Friends University. She was the absolute favorite ‘cafeteria lady’ of many students that got to be around her. I have so many stories and wonderful memories of the joy and laughter that Rhonda brought us in the dining hall. From all of the students that knew her I wish your family to be filled with God’s peace during the time you will grieve the loss of Rhonda on earth. We are praying for Rhonda, and for you. I want to offer you something that Rhonda offered to me. She would read a devotion every day, and one day, February 1st of 2009, Rhonda hand wrote the devotion for me to read. She felt so strongly about it and I think she would like if I shared it with you as you desperately need comfort now. ‘You were there when I needed you. Each of us is guided while we act as guides to one another, throughout the day, throughout our lives. Everywhere we look, someone is learning from us and we from her. We often know not what we give, when we give it. And we seldom realize the value of what we’re receiving at the time we accept it. But the passage of time highlights the value of the experience. We can look for the comforters in our lives. They are offering us strength and hope enough to see us through any difficulty. We need both the rough times and the soft shoulders of a friend. They (all) contribute equally to the designs our lives are weaving. The rough times press us to pray, to reach out to others for solace, and the pain gives others the chance to heal our wounds. We are all healers offering strength. And we all need healing. One of my greatest gifts is giving and receiving strength.’ May God be your refuge and strength now and always. With love, Anna
We just want to let the family know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. We will be thinking of all of you through this trying time.
David, Grace, Susie, Jan and families; God bless and keep you all. Please know that you are in our prayers and will remain. Laura and Chloe Thomas (Wolff) Bob Wolff and Beth Little
To the family of Rhonda Thomas: I just wanted you to know that I met Rhonda in 2009 when she became a co-worker of mine. Based on what she’d shared with me during that time, I knew she’d certainly had her share of trials and tribulations in her life. The amazing thing was that even with all of that, she was so ‘golden’. She never complained or acted with self-pity, and our entire staff as well as MANY of the university students adored her. They’d bring her gifts and share life experiences with her. When we heard of her passing, we simply couldn’t believe the travesty in such a wonderful and positive person coming to such a ‘meeting’. Rhonda will be greatly missed by us and, I’m sure, by all others whose lives she touched. You should be very proud of the daughter you raised, sister you grew up with, aunt who shared laughs and hugs with you, etc. I was once told that ‘one day’ we’re all ‘defined’ by a ‘dash’. Rhonda may not have been wealthy or famous, but I assure you… her ‘dash’ speaks resoundingly of the kind of person we should all strive to be. May God bless and keep you, as I know he’s now taking care of Rhonda.
Tammie, I am so sorry for your loss, I will be praying for you and your family. Tammie, I will always remember talking on the phone with you when we were in Jr. High at Robinson and you would be arguing with your sister about who was going to do the laundry or dishes, etc.. the whole time we were on the phone.
Jan, Doug, Sarah, Amanda, Ethan & Reid, We were so shocked to hear the news of your beloved sister & aunt, Rhonda. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please call if you need anything. Anything at all. With love,
Rhonda,my Godmother, my Aunt. Sorry we couldn’t make the trip for your funeral.Our thoughts and Prayers with be with you tomorrow as you rest in peace. Love you, Stacy McCollum
Jan,I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this difficult time. May God’s peace and love be with all of you!