Rhonda Joan Simmelink passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, into the arms of our Heavenly Father on February 9, 2016, at the Chaplaincy's Hospice House in Kennewick, WA. Born May 13, 1950, in Portland, Oregon to Lee and Lucille Dean, she later moved to Kennewick, WA with her family in 1961. Rhonda attended Kennewick High School, graduating in 1968. It was here she met her future husband, Dennis Simmelink, and they were later married in 1971 at Kennewick First United Methodist Church. They attended Central Washington University where she received her Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree and later she would complete her Master's Degree. Rhonda had a servant's heart, knowing early on that teaching was where she could serve most effectively. Her passion was children, whether it was her beloved daughter and son, her cherished grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or her students. A highly respected teacher, she mentored many new teachers and she served her students in both Curlew, WA and in Richland, WA. Her love for them was always unconditional. Rhonda's servant's heart also blessed so many family, friends, and neighbors. Rhonda loved the ocean and spent many days on the Oregon Coast with family. Watching the ocean or walking on the beach, she was content, which perfectly captures who she was. She did not so much seek grand moments but was instead satisfied with life's offerings, those daily gifts she recognized and enjoyed. In later years, she enjoyed spending time in Idaho on the Clearwater River. Rhonda was an accomplished seamstress and quilter, making quilts for all of her grandchildren as well as quilts for other family members and children at the Ronald McDonald house. Possessing a 'green thumb,' gardening was a passion she enjoyed, while others reaped the bountiful produce she lovingly grew and gave away. Late in life she became a Seattle Mariners fan. One of her true delights was a special Mariner's game where her family watched the game from a special suite. Even when battling her cancer, she seldom missed an opportunity to watch her grandchildren play sports. A devoted grandmother, one of her greatest joys was hosting her three grandchildren overnight for hot tubbing and movies. They loved and will forever miss their "Rhonda-Rhonda." Rhonda was a longtime member of Kennewick First United Methodist Church and her unwavering faith was a strong testimony to many, especially in the last five years as she battled cancer. Always an encourager, God used her in powerful ways to spread His love to many. Rhonda's earthly journey is complete and she's pain free with our Lord. And while this understanding comforts us, we know we will miss her in our lives every day, remembering how special she made us each feel, how loved we felt, and how blessed we were and are by her life with us. She was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Lucille Dean, father in law, Neil Simmelink, and sister in law Janet Simmelink. She is survived by her husband Dennis Simmelink, daughter Traci Rickard and husband Chris, son Dana Simmelink and wife Tori, sisters Linda Deatherage and husband Jim, Jan Przybylski and husband Mark, mother in law, Altha Perry, brother in law, Lee Simmelink and wife Sharon, brother in law, Lynn Simmelink, brother in law, Terry Simmelink, grandchildren Peyton, Danica, Lauren, Kayden and Kylie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to sincerely thank the loving care Rhonda received from The Kennewick Chaplaincy Hospice staff during her final days. There will be a grave side service at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 10th & Union in Kennewick, at 10:00am on Saturday, Feb 13th. A celebration of Rhonda's life will follow at a Kennewick First United Methodist Church, 2 S. Dayton in Kennewick, at 11:00am on Feb 13th. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kennewick First United Methodist Church, The Tri-Cities Cancer Center, or The Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.