Rhonda Mae Phelps

She was born on April 16, 1958 in Peoria, the daughter of Coy A. and Lola M. (Webb) Talley. Rhonda married Richard “Rich” Eugene Phelps on November 22, 1978 in Lacon. He survives. Also surviving are her siblings, sister, Carol F. (Lee) Ballard of Williamsfield; brother, Tom (Cathy) Talley of Manitoba, Canada; sister, Tanya (Dale) Perry of Kingsfield, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Randy Phelps and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her parents.

Rhonda cherished relationships. Her work career started at Kroger while earning her degree. She then worked in the St. Francis Hospital IT department before finishing her career at Caterpillar. She made friendships lasting throughout her life.

Although Rhonda had no children of her own, she loved her nieces and nephews. She never passed up an opportunity to spend time with them and, occasionally, spoil them! Beyond work and family, she had a wide network of friendships made over the years. All were important to her.

An extension of her cherished relationships was a passion for designing, making, and especially giving greeting cards.

She loved to travel. After her retirement, she expanded her travels and rarely passed up an opportunity to travel with family or friends. She especially enjoyed traveling with her sisters.

Rhonda was a member of, and served, Glasford Baptist Church (GBC). Beyond enjoying an extended family of brothers and sisters in Christ, serving at GBC allowed her to put into action her passion for missions and missionary support. Her brother’s missionary service was an inspiration and Rhonda served on GBC’s Missions Committee, including chairing the committee.

Her most cherished relationship was of course her husband. In the last days her greatest concern was him, not her battle. The love, loyalty, and faithfulness…given and received through her life; and the strength, determination, and faith demonstrated in her final battle stand as testimony of her life.

In lieu of any other services, there will be a Celebration of Life memorial at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory of Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com. Memorials may be made to Glasford Baptist Church’s missions fund.