I will always love Rhonda. We affectionately called each other Sissy. Rhonda an I shared the same profession, cosmetology. Rhonda was so beautiful , she was in many plays . Rhonda was a hair an make-up model for David Marmoan of Dave and Company. Rhonda I shared secrets that only sisters could. Rhonda was also  a licensed practical nurse. I remember when , Rhonda and Daniel met. Rhonda and I went to a mexican restaurant, where Daniel worked , at the time. Rhonda ask Daniel if he would go to church with her. He accepted , I went along. Daniel recommitted his life to the Lord. I remember Rhonda telling me , that Daniel only be in Hsv. Ala. For 3wks. I told her alot can happen in 3wks.   Well the rest is history. We all know what a beautiful romance they had.


Here and There

Here, we don’t see Your face, 
There we will!
Here, we feel Your grace— 
There, need we still?

I know You’re everywhere— 
That’s no different there.
Here, we need Your loving care, 
Is anything personal, there?

You tell us Heaven’s beyond any dream 
Wonders of perfection never seen!
Forever, no pain, no grief, no misery— 
We”ll be with loved ones, eternally!

There, no worries and no fear, 
Like often we fight here—
All”s peace—You wipe away each tear! 
Perfect praising of our Savior dear!

Sounds so lovely-of course I want to go 
To learn all that, here, we can’t know.
But something still bothers me so— 
With all these provisions, will my need of You still grow?

A revelation or an insight true— 
Oh, Jesus!
It’s the needs that draw and keep us 
close to You!

Homecoming Court at Madison County High School in Alabama. Riding on homecoming float. 

“(Of ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ Photos)…It’s a great way of showing her creative side.  She used the SUV; she put up a black curtain and I sat outside with the candy.  She had a bell to ring.  I would ring the bell.  Rhonda would say, ‘Who’s there?’  I said, ‘Children.’  She would say, ‘Children!’ in a screechy voice and bring the ratties out.  The kids loved it (they got to pet them).  It was great to see the smiles on their faces.  Soon all kids came over…it was passed around, that we had ratties.  ... I will always love Rhonda.  We called each other ‘Sissy.’  We shared secrets that only true sisters could share...We would finish each other’s sentences...” – P. RENEE GOLDEN WOLFE

Rhonda also loved Halloween, Looney Tunes, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Donald Duck, church activities, prank phone calls, music, politics, old-time TV, big fat yeast rolls, scone-let-scones, and Advanced Sloth...and was very much a conversationalist and not merely a “talker.”  Each time she met a new person, she’d repeatedly work their name into a conversation—even servers, whom she treated very well—and when she was exposed to a new word, like “glom,” “trog,” or “dour,” she’d fully embrace it.

Rhonda was married to Daniel Prasad Jada, who survives her, as do her siblings.  She was predeceased by her parents, grandparents, a half-brother, another Paul Prentice, Jr., and her father-in-law.


Rhonda took part in independent study of Biblical and other languages, cooked good Indian food (boasting friends from many cultures), enjoyed international events (from Birmingham’s Lebanese and Melkite festivals to Chicago’s Christkindlmarkt) and ethnic holidays (e.g. Wigilia (with Krupnik), St. Patrick’s Day, Walpurgisnacht).  It was not uncommon to see her dancing to a Middle Eastern beat, perusing World Market shelves, brewing masala tea, downing colcannon and Balnamoon Skink, venturing forth on a “sushi fun run,” torching nag champa, savoring the Korea House buffet, scouring “global” grocers/delis, or investigating a Chinatown...and she finally made it to St. Louis’s Italian neighborhood, The Hill, in 2022—and quickly chose a favorite Missouri Baking Company cookie, the Chocolate Drop.

Rhonda loved animals, occasionally working with veterinarians, and always spun tales of her falconer brother-in-law’s owl and hawks.  Pets she had over the years include Bhaji, a Manx; Sassy, a horse; snakes; “Dumbo” rats; a llama; a ferret; a Richardson’s ground squirrel; and wild mice, rats (including Roo), crickets, and whatever else needed adopting, temporarily, long term, or forever.  At one time, she had a job cutting bait on a fishing boat, but that didn’t lead to any long-term marine life friendships.  She was once knocked to the floor by a friend’s playful mountain lion, and there was always the looming threat that she’d one day bring home a capybara...and no receipt.


“…One of my favorite memories of those times was when she would do my hair – I actually had hair back then and she was aspiring to be a hairdresser and she would use my head to experiment on with different colors, frosts and cuts after hours at the salon she was working at.  She was pretty good at glamming me up and I had fun with it.  She was always a smiling, happy, creative presence.  We would occasionally shoot a ‘hey’ or some goofy emoji at each other here in the more recent days of FB but otherwise I didn’t see her much.  But I fondly remember the days back then, when we were all so beautifully young.  Rest in peace, Rhonda  ” – SAM MARSH

Rhonda further helped here and there with makeup, set dressing, publicity, costume pieces, audio-visual presentations, casting…but she also appeared onstage:  TRC (Marie in “Come Back Little Sheba,” 1985; Gwendolyn Fairfax in “The Importance of Being Earnest, 1990; Janet Taylor in “Accomplice,” 1993); LIP (Dorothy in “The Shock of Recognition”); HLT (Irene Livingston in “Light Up the Sky,” 1995); TH (Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent in “Noises Off,” 2000; Senator’s Aide in/Assistant Director for “The Boys Next Door,” 2003).  She appeared on film/video for Kudzu Productions, WAFF-TV 48, Teledyne Brown Engineering, and others, including the pilot for the WB’s “Savannah.”

“Rhonda always seemed to steal the show in the productions we were in together.” – GARY GEE

Even in off hours, Rhonda’s nursing know-how came into play.  For friends and family, she suggested doctors, investigated and researched treatments and meds, and assisted with tasks and treatments of minor aches and pains.


The youngest daughter of Paul Nelson Prentice Sr. and Clara Louise “Polly” Lee, Rhonda was born in Miami—as were her older siblings, Paul Nelson Prentice, Jr. and Brenda Lee (Prentice) Mhoon.

“Rhonda… Genuine.  Funny.  Talented.  Witty.  Intentional.  Energetic… which seems completely opposite of her nickname, ‘Coma Queen.’  Always complimentary, but honest.” – JAY POFF

The Prentices would eventually return to North Alabama, where Rhonda attended Madison Academy.  Further schooling brought her a degree in Nursing and a license as a hairstylist.  She also found time to arrange flowers, tend bar, and wait tables…and, no shock, Rhonda was a hair model.

“She was such a unique person.  I always looked forward to seeing her and loved being on stage with her!  And she could do some hair!!!!  Wow!” – SHARON RYAN

Cosmetology was her inroad into area theater (which she even delved into with the locals when visiting family in Florida).  Credited or uncredited, she volunteered for the Huntsville Community Chorus Association (e.g. “Oklahoma!,” 1981; “Joseph…Dreamcoat,” 1989; “Pirates of Penzance,” 1990); Twickenham Repertory Company (TRC—e.g. “The 1940’s Radio Hour,” 1986, “Best Hair” Award; “The Lion in Winter,” 1988, “Best Hair” Award; “The Nerd,” 1993, “Best Hair” Award); Huntsville Little Theatre (HLT—“Light Up the Sky,” 1995, Outstanding Achievement Award, Hair) Ars Nova (e.g. “The Mikado,” 2000, Wings Award); Independent Musical Productions (IMP—e.g. “Oliver!,” 2012; “Jesus Christ Superstar,” 2015); Renaissance Theatre (RT—e,g, “Holy Ghosts,” 1999/2000; “The Maltese Falcon,” 2008); Lee Deal Productions (“Blue Plate Special,” 1992); Theatre Huntville (TH—“The Man Who Came to Dinner,” 2002); and Theatre ‘Round the Corner (“Sylvia,” 1998).



Rhonda and Daniel for Uncle Paul and Aunt Polly’s 50th Anniversary
This photo has always been my favorite. A beautiful couple, on a beautiful evening, making beautiful memories. 
My heart is broken for all of Aunt Rhonda’s closest family and friends, she was truly special and loved. Her love for life and others  inspired me. I’ll always cherish the conversations and how she always knew the perfect thing to say to brighten the clouds. 

From my family to yours our deepest sympathies and condolences. Our prayers and love are with you. 

I’ll never forget the late night runs to McDonald’s and Wendy’s for a frosty and a large fry with extra salt and extra extra extra ketchup. The person who introduced me to Starbucks and gave me my first highlights. Scared me so bad that I couldn’t shower with the curtain closed for years… you always had a good scary story. I’ll always remember you and miss you. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. I hope you’re out there spooking people like you love to do. I love you great Auntie! 

It hasn't really registered, yet.  I've been sharing so many photos and fielding so many questions.  But it will never be the same.  She is missed by a LOT of people.

 Danny anna and Rhonda visited Prasad Uncle and Amrutha aunty for the first time as a couple in Chicago (1996). We were part of that celebration, I remember aunty and uncle welcoming Rhonda into the family by presenting her with gold bangles and a beautiful saree. ( Indian tradition) Rhonda was a beautiful lady inside and out, she had a contagious smile and who can forget her famous banana bread. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Danny anna.
Anitha, Daniel, Kaitlyn, Lauren and Nathan Ravury
Chicago.

Daniel, My heart aches for you in this very sad time. You are in my prayers. Rhonda was a beautiful lady. I hope it brings you some peace knowing that she is in God's comforting hands and that you will be with her again thanks to HIS mercy and grace.

Much love my friend.

 

Rhonda Vadinamma/Ron/Rhonda Pedamma, 
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. You may be gone from our sight, but you are never gone from our hearts. You have a BIG heart and a contagious smile. We are going to cherish all the memories and the cute little surprises and expressions. According to 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day”.
You will be dearly missed.
Emmanuel, Jerusha, Jeremy & David


Dan Anna, please accept our heartfelt condolences at this time of grief. I know that Rhonda Vadinamma has left a void in your life. She has touched many lives through her warm and affectionate conversations. Please stay strong and we pray that our Lord will give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.  Emmanuel, Jerusha, Jeremy & David   

Celebrating her mom and dads 50th anniversary 

Me and Aunt Rhonda just 5 years apart and always together 

Her mom and dad with me and Aunt Rhonda. 

Going a few years back with her mom, niece and nephew

Rhonda was the spark at any party! Her energy filled the room. She was dynamite on stage. We are so sorry for your loss. May her memories be a blessing to your families. 

Rhonda brought joy and light wherever she went. She was a soul filled with laughter and beauty. Please know that Bill and I send her family and friends love and blessings at this time. 

Here's me & Rhonda in 1984-85, we were both about 18 or 19 years old. She was an amazing friend who discipled me when I first got saved. She LOVED, loved the Lord and knew her Bible. She was fun, funny, eccentric, just a beautiful "old soul", and stunningly gorgeous! So glad to have met her and stayed in touch with her all these years. She definitely has a very special place in my heart especially because Im still a Christian to this day because of her. Danny, Im so, very sorry! Sending you much-loved prayers of comfort and peace during this time. Valerie Ball

Dear Danny Anna,
      My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Rhonda. Though I never met her in person, I knew her from a phone conversation. It was my birthday and she wished me along with my sister. She was warm, loving and friendly. I am grateful to have known her. We will definitely miss her. Praying for HIS comfort.
In Christ's love,
Sunny Thallapally

Rhonda G.P.
A very generous,loving and a very kind soul.
Let the fragrance of her beautiful life speaks more than words put together.

We will miss you for now.

OBITUARY

Rhonda Gail Prentice

July 26, 1965 – January 3, 2023

Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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