Meredith was born June 4, 1979, and attended Tara elementary school, Papillion Junior High School and Papillion LaVista Senior High School. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and received a degree in Graphic Arts from Metropolitan Community College.
As a child, Meredith took acting classes and appeared in several television commercials and Children’s Theater productions. She was also a print model for the Richman Gordman stores.
A third generation welder, Meredith employed that skill working with her dad creating metal sculptures, many of which are displayed in public areas throughout the midwest. She was also a talented silversmith and worked with copper and gemstones. Her creativity and artistic ability were evident in everything she did.
Meredith enjoyed ice skating and taking her daughter to ice hockey lessons. She also delighted in coaching her daughter’s softball team and served as commissioner for the Papillion Parks and Recreation Eight and Under Girls’ Softball League. She was a member of the Papillion Art Council and was involved in the Papillion 150 Foundation.
Meredith’s favorite season was Fall, and her house was always decorated top to bottom at Halloween, her favorite holiday.
Kind, loving and compassionate were words often used to describe Meredith. She loved vacations to Minnesota and the Northwoods. Fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding were some of her favorite activities, as well as evenings spent around the campfire. She loved spending time with her aunt, uncle and cousins at the lake in Northern Minnesota...her happy place.
A lifelong Big Red fan, Meredith was also a dedicated follower of ice hockey, with Jake Guentzel, #59, of the Pittsburgh Penguins, being her favorite player. She also loved the Minnesota Wild hockey team.
Meredith will be remembered for her loving spirit and kindness to others. She loved her friends and family with all her heart.
Meredith is survived by her husband, Jason, daughter, Rhealynn, parents, Albert and Debra Rhea, brother, Matt, paternal grandmother, Gladys Rhea and relatives throughout the Midwest.
