Rhonda Ward went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 25, 2025, at the age of 51.
Born on October 19, 1974, Rhonda grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, attending Guthrie Public Schools.
She graduated from Guthrie High School in 1994 walking across the stage with her brother Jimmy.
Her career was spent taking care of the elderly and the community in Guthrie through nursing homes, home healthcare, and finally with the Logan County Health Department.
Rhonda met and married her husband Jeff Ward on August 30, 2014, whom she shared 11 wonderful and fun years with but most importantly, embraced the life of being a Mimi and Papa together. She poured her heart into her children, grandchildren and family, proudly supporting and celebrating all their accomplishments.
Rhonda was a hard worker. She loved family (or really any) gatherings and making those around her feel loved and special. Rhonda was never afraid to throw out a few dance moves to whatever music was playing at the time. She wasn’t afraid of a mower or weed eater. Rhonda also wasn’t afraid to learn a new hobby or skill, as in recent years she started learning Spanish, taking piano lessons, exploring creative dessert ideas for the holidays, knitting and crocheting, you name it.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Calvin and Juanita Dale and Leslie and Lucille Tannahill. As well as many aunts and uncles. She leaves behind her loving husband Jeff Ward; her son Ryan Stevenson and wife Taylor, granddaughters Madalynn and Natalie; her daughter Sheila Berger and husband Tony; her daughter Candace Morava and husband Sam, grandchildren Tatium, Landon, and Rilynn; son Jeff Ward Jr, granddaughters Hailey and Faith; son Joe Ward and wife Ashley, granddaughter Kehli; and daughter Jessica Harper and husband Jacob, grandson Orion.
She also leaves behind her parents James and Shirley Dale; her brother Jimmy Dale, sister Cindy Dale; her niece Nicole McNulty and husband Carson, their children Beau and Brailee, and nephews Joey Dale and Ethan Scott.
Rhonda was a friend and supported so many in her community. She was known for her deep faith, perseverance and love for her family. Rhonda’s beautiful presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, while also finding peace in knowing she was welcomed into the arms of our God with the words “Job well done, my good and faithful servant” -Matthew 25:23.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday, October 31, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM at Hayes Funeral Home.
A celebration of Rhonda’s life will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Community Church (512 E. Seward Rd., Guthrie, OK 73044).
Arrangements are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at hayesfh.com.
Published in the Guthrie News Leader - October 29, 2025