Rhonda Rene Peterson
April 3, 1967 ~ November 24, 2016
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Rhonda René Peterson, born on April 3, 1967, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016 at the Laurels in Hendersonville, NC. In her last days, she realized Thanksgiving was the perfect day to go, because she fully lived and loved each day with a thankful heart and reminded everyone to do the same. From a young age, Rhonda had an adventurous spirit and was ready for the next experience life had to offer. She courageously fought liver cancer for a little over five years. She never lost her beautiful smile or her beautiful hair, to the amazement of us all. She was fearless, strong and brave beyond words, taking on this new challenge with unparalleled courage and grace. Despite her cancer, she continued to reach out and accept all the gifts that each day had to offer. She never met a stranger, turning new acquaintances into friends daily. To know her was to love her.
Rhonda's list of loves was long - her parents and family, her dog Peyton, her friends, Tarheel sports, her medical staff, sunflowers, traveling, Peyton Manning, 'believing' and living each day to the fullest!
She is preceded in death by her father, Daniel Peterson and survived by her mother, Brenda Peterson. She graduated in the Class of 1985 from West Henderson High and went on to work in sales, but her greatest work was teaching us all to BELIEVE and finding joy in every moment!
We have all lost a very bright light, but her love will continue to shine through the beauty she bestowed upon all those around her. Rhonda will always be a part of us forever in our hearts and thoughts. In her own words, we 'love you to the moon and back.'
Rhonda's memorial service will be held at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Road in Arden, NC on Sunday, December 4th at 4 pm. Visitation from 2-4 pm.
The family wishes to thank all those who cared for her over the last five years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to liver cancer research at http://cholangiocarcinoma.org/get-involved/donate/.
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My sincere sympathies to the Peterson family. I’m very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this period of mourning. A comforting thought at times like these can soothe the heart. The Bible reveals that it is God’s purpose to restore the dead to life by means of a resurrection to a paradise earth, where sickness and death will be no more. Jesus said: ‘The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.’? (John 5:28,29) Imagine seeing your dead loved ones again and being reunited with them. God has promised to make that a reality for his faithful ones.
I cherish the times I had with Rhonda. She was one of the first friends to come to see me, following my diagnosis of ovarian cancer. She had with her, the characteristic bright smile, sensitivity, and solar-powered mobile flower that continues to sit on my window sill. We shared numerous short, uplifting times over the past eighteen months. I shall always treasure the fun times this past summer, celebrating our joys, of the season of life. Rest in Our Father’s Eternal Care
Comfort and love to family and friends.
So sorry to hear that Rhonda has passed away. We send deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all. We will remember her as a light of sunshine.
Chuck and Nancy jervis
There is No one like Rhonda! Blessed to have known her since middle school (Rugby) and graduated together from WHHS (1985). We had so many fun times during those years. She has Always been an inspiration and role model, her faith so strong, a First Class Act! I will always Believe… many prayers are continuing for her family, especially her much loved mom Brenda, and many, many friends. It is amazing to see how many souls she touched (not surprising though)! Peace and Rest Dear Loved one, you deserve it.
I had not seen Rhonda in many, many years since my family spent summers in Fletcher, my aunt and cousins are very close to her family. Even as children, Rhonda was special and made everyone feel welcomed and loved.
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our prayers.
Benny & Denise
Rhonda was a beautiful soul on this earth and now she is enjoying her perfect eternity! I will see you one day again in heaven, Rhonda. You will be missed.
I am so very sorry to hear of Rhonda’s passing. My very first job was at D.Hillary’s jewelry store in the mall and I met Rhonda. I was this shy, quiet, insecure girl and she treated me like a peer, a friend. I looked up to her so much and yet she acted so grounded. She became such a role model for me and I will never forget her. Mr heart hurts because the world has lost such an genuine soul. My deepest condolences to her mother, family and friends.
I am so sorry for Rhonda’s loss she was truly loved by all and will be missed. She is now rejoicing in heaven with her Heavenly Father and earthly father . She is no longer suffering and now has a new body. Brenda will be in my prayers
Devastated at this news last week, I was an acquaintance and knew of Rhonda mainly through mutual friends. But I remember her bright eyes and beautiful smile. My condolences to her mom and many close friends. Rest In Peace sweet lady.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends. I first met Rhonda when she and my daughter were 7 years old and were best friends. Karen (Kirtley), my daughter, loved Rhonda and I still see in my mind’s eye the beautiful little girl with long honey colored hair and a big smile. God bless you, Brenda, and give you His peace.
I am so very sorry for your loss Brenda. Rhonda was a good friend and always kind while we were in school. It was bitter sweet to see her at our reunion. I don’t go but for some reason did and I believe in Christ through all things. I believe it was his will for us to be there together and get to fellowship. My prayers are with you. I was blessed to see her one last time last Wed.
Beautiful person inside and out! Rhonda I will miss that beautiful and infectious smile but will keep that memory within my heart, body, and soul. Till we meet again beautiful keep smiling and know we are smiling too! Prayers for your family.
Oh how am loved her. Rhonda always made me feel loved. She would text me any time she needed something. She brought me great joy. Her smile was infectious! I will treasure her in my heart forevermore.
Rhonda was always kind to me from the time I was new as a 10th grader, through high school. She always had a smile and a great, contagious laugh. She will be missed, but not forgotten. Prayers and my deepest sympathy for her family.
So sorry
It was good to have known Rhonda and she was such blessing to all.
She was the kindest person I knew. Always positive and sweet. That smile and zest for life is going to be missed.
Rhonda, you are free to fly and your race have been won, its my pleasure of knowing you and a alumni of West Henderson High and may you Rest In Peace now and God bless this family during this time of bereavement.
As a former graduate of West Henderson High School, I only knew Rhonda in passing. I’d like to express my condolences to her family and friends. Rhonda may you Rest In Peace.
Rhonda was a joy to know and a blessing to all! She will be missed.
Brief encounters are made much more memorable when they are with someone so genuinely nice. Rhonda will be missed by those who knew her well and those who knew her little.
Prayers for Comfort and Peace.
I was instantly drawn to her the moment I met Rhonda …she will truly be missed.
Fly high sweet friend♡♡♡
Brenda, we haven’t been in touch in many years, yet I remember Rhonda so well as the cutest, sweetest little girl that lived next door to us in Fletcher. She and Kevin played together a lot and it was with great sadness that I heard the news from him this morning that she had passed away. I am so sorry for your loss and may you find peace in the fact that she was so loved in her lifetime.
Rhonda was a truly beautiful person, both inside and out. No one will ever be able to forget her infectious smile. Rhonda will always be alive in our hearts and souls. Thank you, Miss Rhonda, for being my friend, until we meet again.
Connie Starnes Driskell
Brenda I am so sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful soul inside and out! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Praying for peace and comfort! What a beautiful tribute! I remember playing with her my entire childhood!❤️
I remember the first day that I met Rhonda. It was at Fletcher United Methodist Church, we were helping the children make Gingerbread houses for our shut-in church members for when we went Christmas caroling at their homes. She told me her story about her illness and then the day that her heart stopped and how she saw and spoke with her Dad in heaven. He told her to go back and be with her Mom and she did come back. I said to Rhonda, you are on a special mission, God wants you to tell your story and encourage others and to always ‘Believe’. Our church family has prayed for Rhonda many times throughout this journey that she has been on for the past 5 years. I have always been amazed by her strength to keep on going and never give up. I am so happy that I met this beautiful person, who has inspired many of us each and every day. Rhonda is at peace now, she is with her Dad and our heavenly Father. We shall see her again someday when our journeys here on earth come to an end and we rejoice in her presence! Rhonda you hold a special place in all of our hearts!
We will miss Rhonda’s contagious smile and upbeat personality. We had some good times at dinner and Carolina basketball TV games.
She was a wonderful person who has left a beautiful, permanent mark on this world with her smile, infectious joyful spirit and love of Christ. She will be missed in body, but her spirit will carry on in all of us. I cannot imagine a more perfect life lived than hers, of kindness and love for God, Jesus and humanity, shared fully every single day. God’s peace to you and your family.
What a gal what a gal..special
Special place in my heart.God let an angel live on earth for awhile.My heart aches for that beautiful Blue ridge Miracle!Rhonda!