Rhonda Joy (Rhoades) Friend

Oct. 3, 1953 - Sept. 27, 2009

COZAD -- Rhonda Joy (Rhoades) Friend of Cozad, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at Bryan LGH Hospital in Lincoln. She was 55 years old.

Rhonda was born Oct. 3, 1953, to Robert and Shirley (Joy) Rhoades in Loveland, Colo. She attended Loveland High School and Aims Community College in Greeley, Colo. After college she entered the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged on Jan. 28, 1980. She resided in Virginia for many years before moving to Nebraska.

Rhonda enjoyed reading and computer games. She loved her animals and thought of them as her children. She was hard working, very independent and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Robert and Shirley Rhoades; one brother, David Rhoades; grandparents, Lester and Geraldine Rhoades and Ralph and Berniece Joy.

Survivors include her sister, Cheryl and husband, Ronnie Nelson of Coolidge, Ariz.; nieces and nephews, Lisa and husband, Shawn Bartholomew of Palisade, Cassandra and husband, Lyle Eaton of Oklahoma City, Okla., Darrell and wife, Amanda DeLack of Huntersville, N.C., and Renee Nelson of Coolidge; one great-niece; and numerous great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may sign her book at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook or send condolences to www.carpenterbreland.com.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Memorial services will be Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, 11 a.m. at Carpenter Breland Chapel in McCook with Pastor Marshall Erickson officiating. Inurnment will be in the Culbertson Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.