Rhonda Casey

Rhonda Larea (Drake) Casey, 61, passed away January 30, 2017 in Waukee. A family burial will be held at Resthaven Cemetery at a later date. Rhonda was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on September 7, 1955 to Orris Lowell and Shirley Mae (Macklin) Drake. She grew up on a farm in rural Griswold and moved to Walnut, Iowa in 1966, graduating from Walnut High School in 1973. In August of 1978, Rhonda married John Casey of Des Moines and became the proud stepmother of sons; Jeff, Todd and Mark, making their home in Johnston, Iowa.

She attended Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in Des Moines, Iowa, graduating with a diploma in nursing in 1976. Rhonda furthered her education, obtaining both a Bachelor’s and Master degree while working at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines until 2015. Her career included positions in cardiac rehabilitation and supervisory nursing before managing the endoscopy unit at Methodist.

Rhonda was on the board at the Affinity Credit Union for several terms and was active in the state Crohn’s and Colitis Association for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, needle crafts and attending the Iowa State Fair, frequently participating in state fair contests. (She was especially good at the fair scavenger hunt).

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents and husband, John Casey. She is survived by step-sons, Jeff (Tracey), Todd (Tonya), and Mark (Teri); five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three sisters, Janelle Nielsen, Shellie Drake, and Darla Galligan; one brother, Mark (Mary) Drake; Reva Drake; and many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.