Rhonda Lynn Smith

Rhonda L. Smith, 71 years of age, of Carbondale, IL died at home, surrounded by friends and family. Candles were lit and the music of Jimi Hendrix, The Mamas & The Papas, Prince, Moody Blues and Carol King helped take her on another journey. Rhonda was born March 31, 1955 in Salem, IL.

Rhonda left behind her children, Courtney Smith (Steve Sawyer) and Dylan Smith; granddaughter, Kate Weihl; cats, Daisy & Lily; brother, Rodney White; aunt, Donna Land; uncle, Alan White (Linda); cousins, Michelle Land (Robin Harris), Kristin Land (Jared Blaylock), Rory Harris, Kit Harris and Landry Blaylock. Many friends and family, including Laurel Fredrickson, Toni Lydick, Teri McSherry, Teresa Harris, Patricia Burns, Samantha Smith, Jim Smith, Rhonda Keck, Donna Land, Michelle Harris and Mahassin Haqq.

Rhonda is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Don White; sisters, Robyn White and Alice Marie Flaherty-White; Grandmothers, Irene Vaughn and Gladys White. She married Jim Smith (current wife Rhonda Keck) in 1976 and raised two children. She stayed at home to raise her kids until they started school, all the while working hard tending huge gardens and managing a household. She helped instill curiosity, wonder and creativity in her children, encouraging them to always ask questions and explore the natural world.

When the marriage chapter closed, Rhonda moved on to live independently (some might say, fiercely independent!), while earning an Associates Degree at Southeastern Illinois College. She was employed at SIC for many years before moving on to Morris Library at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She enjoyed being surrounded by books, conducting research and being part of a larger, diverse, university community, where she met many friends and students.

Gardening remained one of her passions throughout her life, tending gardens wherever she landed. Growing food was important to Rhonda, with flowers providing whimsey and magic. Hiking, camping, fossil and rock hunting were favorite pastimes, with much time spent in the Shawnee National Forest and Green Earth Nature Preserves. Camping involved bringing everything one could need, including the kitchen sink! She loved cooking for others and would often make seemingly huge batches, inviting all to take some home. She wanted to make sure everyone was fed, and fed well. Her creative pursuits included stained glass and nature crafts.

Donations in Rhonda's honor can be made to Green Earth in Carbondale at greenearthinc.org. She especially enjoyed the bluebell glade and secret garden at Chautauqua Bottoms. The family would like to thank everyone that brought food and stopped by to visit. Heartfelt thanks to the nurses of Hospice of Southern Illinois and Barnes Jewish Hospital. Rhonda would like everyone to enjoy the wonders of the natural world and "Watch for deer."

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Rhonda, visit www.meredithfh.com