Rhonda Jeanne Dollens

Rhonda Jeanne Dollens, 82, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025 with family by her side.
Rhonda was born on October 23, 1942, to Leslie "Les" and Lois (Peterman) Hudson in Vandalia, Missouri. She took pride in all things family and loved growing up in a busy home with her four siblings. After graduating in 1960 from Vandalia High School, Rhonda met Bob Dollens during a night out at the local bowling alley. They soon settled in Mexico, Missouri, to start a family. Her greatest achievement, she would often say, was raising her two boys, Gregory (b. 1961) and Gary (b. 1963).
Rhonda devoted many years to raising her children and working as a secretary at A.P. Greene Company in Mexico before following her sons to Springfield, MO. There, she built an active and fulfilling life for herself and soon became known as "Grandma Rhonda" to Meagan, Trey, and Tanner. She was an active member of the Community of Christ Church, where she regularly played piano for Sunday services. She worked for the Girl Scouts of America, forming lifelong friendships with Barbara and Bev, and helped lead her granddaughter's Girl Scout troop. She worked for American National Insurance for a decade before retiring in 2005.
In her later years, Rhonda stayed active by never missing a workout at Curves, participating in a bowling league multiple nights a week, and working part-time at Juanita K. Hammons Hall, where she loved visiting with people and enjoying performances. Grandma Rhonda never missed a Grandparents' Day, a ball game, or a birthday card, and she always ensured her loved ones knew they were cherished. She also shared a special relationship with her grand-pup Tucker, her companion and best friend in later years.
Rhonda is survived by her son Gary Dollens; granddaughter Meagan Dollens (Adam Presley); grandsons Trey Dollens (Kerry) and Tanner Dollens; great-grandchildren Alyaa, Kaisley, Asher, Gunner; sister Ardis Wohlbold, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Arthur, Eldon, and Jim; sister Jane Ann Fanning; and son Greg Dollens.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, MO, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation to follow. Rhonda's family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Strafford Care Center for the exceptional care and compassion they provided in her final years. If you would like to make a donation in Rhonda's memory, please consider supporting crafts, music, and activities for the Strafford Memory Care Unit by sending a check to "Strafford Care Center" with the memo "Activities Fund".