Rhonda Kathleen Daniel

Rhonda Kathleen Daniel, age 76, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family and those who cared for her.She was born on January 10th, 1950 in Killeen, Texas to Doyle and Gladys Matthews.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Rhonda attended Highlands High School. Throughout her life, she made her home in several places, including Shreveport, Louisiana, where she raised her children while building a blossoming career as a dressmaker and designer. She also spent time in Oklahoma before settling in Arlington, Texas, in her later years.

Rhonda was a gifted designer, talented dressmaker, and true artist whose creativity touched countless lives. Through her studio, she designed thousands of wedding gowns, Mardi Gras ball gowns, cotillion dresses, bridesmaid dresses, beauty pageant dresses, and custom creations. Her work helped make some of life's most cherished moments even more beautiful.

Fashion-forward, delightfully Southern, and wonderfully cheeky, Rhonda had a passion for design in all its forms. She loved Turner Classic Movies, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones, and she had a remarkable eye for creating beautiful spaces through interior design. Her creativity was not simply a profession—it was part of who she was.

In her later years, Rhonda found great joy in teaching sewing and quilting classes and sharing her talents with others. She especially treasured creating things for her grandchildren. From Halloween costumes and christening gowns to prom dresses and school-play ensembles, each piece was lovingly stitched by hand and became a lasting expression of her love.

Above all, Rhonda was devoted to her husband, Gene, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage. She also shared an unbreakable bond with her beloved dog, Ivy. Rhonda had a gift for bringing beauty, laughter, warmth, and a little bit of mischief wherever she went. Her family and friends will remember not only the extraordinary things she created, but the love and joy she brought into their lives.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Doyle and Gladys Matthews, and her younger brother, Glenn Matthews.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 40 years, Eugene “Gene” Daniel; her brother, Wesley Matthews (Delphia); her sister, Brenda Sueltenfuss (Don); and her four loving children, Lori Powers Villarreal (Steve), Gina Daniel Gotschall (Russell), Matthew Powers (Katy), and Nolan Daniel (Spring).

She was blessed with ten wonderful grandchildren: Peyton, Kaylee, Luke, Grayson, Grace, Lydia, Genevieve, Alia, Miria, and Gwenyth, as well as her great-grandson, Lucas, who was a most recent and precious addition to the family.

Rhonda leaves behind a beautiful legacy—not only in the thousands of garments she created and the students she taught, but in the hearts of the people who knew and loved her. Her artistry lives on in every stitch, every creation, and every life she touched. Most of all, her love lives on through her family.

The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers, nurses, and staff of Morada Lake Arlington and AlēvCare Hospice. Their kindness, dignity, and compassionate care brought comfort and peace to Rhonda and to those who loved her during her final days.

Rhonda will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.