Rhonda L. Soto

Rhonda Lee Soto, a radiant presence born in Elwood, Indiana, brought boundless love and light to all who knew her. Rhonda, age 57 of Brooksville, Florida passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, the world bid farewell to a beautiful soul, one who never saw a barrier too great or a challenge too daunting.

From the moment Rhonda came into this world in 1967, she brought a special kind of joy to her family, a joy that multiplied over her 57 years. Grace embraced her path as the beloved daughter of Edelmiro "Eric" and Jeanette R. Soto, whose memories preceded her. Rhonda’s compassionate spirit lives on through her sister, Martha, and her brothers, Christopher and Lance. Her infectious laughter and warmth are cherished in the hearts of her nephews and niece—Matthew, Nathaniel, Jason, Thaddeus, Jordan, Dustin, Nicholas, and Christina—as well as the lives touched by her seventeen great-nephews and nieces.

Never allowing her Down Syndrome diagnosis to define her life's scope, Rhonda stood as a testament to courage and boundless potential. A sports enthusiast at heart, her passion for the NBA and NFL matched the fervent support she gave to her nephews' wrestling feats. Rhonda exemplified sportsmanship not just in the stands, but in every facet of her life—cheering others on, celebrating their victories, and being there to lift spirits.

Rhonda was a storyteller, guardian of laughter, and a true connoisseur of happiness, always ready to share a slice of joy, just as she savored her favorite foods—pizza, hamburgers, ice cream, and corn casserole. She turned her shopping sprees into missions of kindness, seeking out the perfect gifts to brighten someone's day, just as she brightened every room she entered.

Her twenty years of service within the Hernando County School System were marked by pride and independence, riding "The Bus" to ensure her commitment to her community was unwavering. Rhonda’s work ethic was as much a part of her as the dominoes she played with relentless energy, the Yahtzee dice she rolled with a gleaming smile, and the bingo games she shared with those she adored.

She made the corridors of Walmart and Bath & Body Works echo with her familiar charm, just as she filled the airwaves with the joyous themes of her favorite TV shows, like The Love Boat and Happy Days. Rhonda was the epitome of festivity; holidays were her canvas, and she painted them with the brilliant colors of her spirit, always donning the perfect attire to celebrate each occasion.

Rhonda’s faith was her fortress, her unwavering Christian devotion a force of nature. She lived her love for Jesus with every prayer and every note of praise, a melody of true sincerity and divine fellowship. Planning birthday parties and singing a jazzy "Happy Birthday" in true Soto style, she created moments that became memories, wrapping everyone around her in the warm embrace of her loving nature.

She stood proudly amongst us as a paragon of loving-kindness, her courage a beacon guiding us through life's storms with a gentle hand. Rhonda's legacy is not of one who asked for recognition, but one who gave the world her all and left it immeasurably better.

Inurnment will be at 11:00am, Thursday, June 5, 2025 where she will be laid to rest alongside her parents at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Special Olympics or other organizations to help children with special needs.

And so, as we celebrate Rhonda Lee Soto, we do so knowing that her life was a masterclass in the art of abundant love and unshakeable courage. She has graduated from this world, leaving behind a symphony of cherished moments and an enduring message that no hurdle is too high, no distance too far, and no dream out of reach. Let us hold fast to Rhonda’s example, walking forward with gentleness in our hearts and courage in our steps, forever inspired by a soul who truly knew how to live, love, and embrace the fullness of every day.