Rhonda L. Bell

Born December 13th, 1959 in Anne Arbor Michigan, Rhonda was the First born of two daughters to William A. Bell and Virginia (Boykin) Bell. Rhonda was a strong, athletic young woman who excelled in writing, skiing, Track, and the love of FUN and physical activity.

After graduating from Bellevue’s Sammamish High School in 1979, she attended Washington State University first, transferred to Bellevue Community College, and finally Oregon State University in the early ‘80s on full Track Scholarships. Rhonda’s unique physique and training transformed her into an elite runner, of which many of her record times in college in the 400m and mile relay – still stand.

After her college years she retired from athletics due to sidelining injuries, and moved back to the Seattle area. Out of her love of meeting people, Rhonda then began a lifelong career in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Rhonda was extremely proud of her work, and how she touched countless lives with her compassion and encouragement. She truly loved the moniker in her later years of being called the “unofficial Seattle ambassador” to tourists and locals alike.

It is difficult to put down on paper a synopsis of Rhonda’s whole life; all the amazing and wonderful things she selflessly did for others, the places she travelled, and the lives she enhanced with her joyful spirit. Rhonda cherished her relationships with her precious cats, her dear friends, her family and sister; her Seattle homes and their beautiful gardens; her Seattle community.

Rhonda was fascinated by enormity and beauty of this world and had a desire to see its wonders. She loved being Spontaneous, and at a moment’s notice Rhonda would do things such as travel to Italy and live there for 4 months learning to cook Italian cuisine. Or she would enter some radio contest, not once, but twice – win each time, and take off on an All expenses paid trips to Jamaica for a week! Or she’d drive cross country with a trucker friend just to deliver a load of fruit – just for the adventure of it!

She’d painstakingly decorated the ceiling of her bedroom with accurate star constellations so she could lie on her bed and watch the stars. She’d make detailed photo scrap books of every place she ever traveled and excitedly tell you the story of every picture she took. She’d, dance the night away alone with her various cats in her living room, or text message pictures of what DVD she was watching so you could share in it.

Her homes in Seattle were always a hub of happy activity, and she thrived in the bevy of visitors always circulating in and out of her place. She loved her quiet days journaling. BBQ’s! Boating. Seahawks! Music. Yes, even Hockey. These were just some of the things Rhonda held special and that made her unique. But it was how she lovingly treated people that will be her true lasting legacy.

Rhonda took on the world with all exuberance, sharing her effervescent smile with everyone she met! She worked up until her cardiac illness began around 2010. But even then she never stopped hand standing, hugging, loving, and helping those around her, continually sharing her laughter and light!

She wanted people to be happy and not hindered by worry, so most never even knew of her health struggles. Right up until the morning she passed, Rhonda thought only of what she could do for others. And she loved.

Rhonda Bell is survived by her sister Cynthia Bell-Brazeal, brother-in-law Douglas Brazeal and their family, as well as extended family, countless friends; dear friends, loves, and acquaintances (there is just not enough room to list everyone)! And all that know and love her will fondly say – “Rhonda…She always had the Biggest Heart…for EVERYONE!”

Remembrances can be given in Rhonda’s name through: Unconditional kindness and acceptance of others…

And some of the organizations she supported.

Compassion International

The Nature Conservancy

American Heart Association