Rhonda Rodriguez Maroney

Rhonda Rena Rodriguez Maroney, age 53, passed from this life on October 26, 2020. She was born to Samuel Rodriguez and Brenda Clair Graves Rodriguez on February 27, 1967 in Natchitoches, LA. A faithful and treasured friend, sincere and loving, her life was defined by the unwavering, absolute love that emanated warmly throughout her life. To Rhonda, as soon as a place in her heart was given, it was unconditional and without reservation, and as she journeyed through her time, she would ensure that there was always a little more room made and a new place found for others. The opinions of others and trials brought her no worry, she just knew how to love. This expressed itself in many ways, from her steady companionship to her daily phone calls to many, Rhonda never failed to show her care. So steadfast she was in those daily phone calls that if unanswered by chance, the call would immediately be followed by a familiar text, “Call Me Now”. In her youth, she found a special love from her parents and translated that intimate spark to her sister, brother, and precious cousin, Phoebe. There was rarely, if ever, an event she attended alone, often accompanying her family to just about every special occasion, playing games and enjoying pastimes with them, and could always be seen riding shotgun with her daddy. Rhonda was ready to have a good time and helped create a memorable atmosphere by always being prepared and planning in advance to the last detail, becoming an accomplished party and cookout planner. Her only child was Bear Maroney; though he probably never figured out that he was adopted, it was obvious to others due to his canine heritage. Once she was blessed with additional generations from her immediate family, they became like her children, helping to raise them as her own. She was a believer, not only attending church but pouring herself into her faith, often singing the Gospel music that she adored, though she would listen to Country on occasion. Many of her fondest memories were vacationing in the mountains and staying in cabins, simply adoring Branson and Silver Dollar City. In her simple, unassuming way, Rhonda touched the lives of any that crossed her path, made her mark on many hearts with her reassuring smile, and left those dear to her on the Earth with a precious example of love and friendship that is rarely matched. As she passed beyond the veil of this mortality, though she will be missed, Rhonda arrived home, no doubt planning a special reception for the day appointed that her loved ones see her again. Left to honor her memory is her sister, Julena Rodriguez O’Con; brother, Jason Rodriguez and wife, Misty; nieces, Brooke O’Con Lewis and husband, Devin, Jordan Rodriguez, and Abigail Rodriguez; grandnephew, Walker Lewis; cousin, constant companion and dear friend, Phoebe Leone Strahan and husband, David; daughters of Phoebe, Olivia Strahan Berry and husband, Joshua Berry, Anna Strahan, and Amelia Strahan; grandchildren of Phoebe, Liam and Leah Berry; and a host of family and friends, especially Crystal, John Michael, Getawn, Tracey, and Coleman, each of who held a special place in her heart. Preceding Rhonda in death are her paternal grandparents, Raymond “Chino” and Ruby Delacerda Rodriguez; maternal grandparents, Vernice L and Fannie Mae Price Graves; cousin, Derek Rodriguez; favorite aunt, Una V. Bemelman; and uncle, Sam Rodriguez. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, October 30, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home, 848 Keyser Avenue, Natchitoches, LA. Preceding Rhonda’s life honoring funeral service, a visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, at First Assembly of God Church, 1508 Ringgold Ave, Coushatta, LA. Services will begin at 1:00 p.m., also at the church, with Reverend James E. Nailes officiating. Rhonda’s burial will follow at Old Pisgah Cemetery, 15192 LA HWY 120, Marthaville, LA.