Rhonda G. Varon

Rhonda G. Varon (Smith), 70, of Yuba City, CA, died September 30, 2024 at Sutter Roseville Hospital. She has been a resident of Lincoln Meadows Care Home for the last three years.

She was born to Barbara and Robert Smith in Lakeport, CA, on March 3, 1954. She grew up in Live Oak, CA.

She attended high school special education classes in Yuba City, CA, and worked shortly for Gateway Industries. Rhonda's true passion was caring for babies and children. She got a job at the Live Oak Childcare Center.

She immensely enjoyed her time working there. Over the years, she also helped two of her sisters with childcare.

She had an amazing memory. Family members always asked her for details and dates of family events, because she would remember it all. She remembered all birthdates, not only of family, but also all her friends and their children.

Rhonda loved and cared for cockatiel birds. Her first one was named Gideon. All cockatiels in her life were also given names from the Bible, including Adam, Eve, and Elizabeth, reflecting her deep connection to her religious beliefs.

She was a big fan of Little House on the Prairie, Wizard of Oz, and Leave it to Beaver. She bought a red Ford Maverick and named it Ruby.

Health issues related to many years of having diabetes, eventually ended her ability to work and to drive.

In 2005, while on a trip to Southern California she met Norman Varon, and fell in love. They married in 2006, with a 50's theme wedding.

Rhonda is survived by her husband, Norman, Yuba City, CA; two sisters, Dianne Rose, (Darrell) Yuba City, and Barbara Smith Henke (John), Keizer, OR,; brother and sister-in-law, Ike and Jackie Varon, Las Vegas, NV; and six nieces and three nephews; plus several grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Barbara Smith; brother, Russell E. Smith; and sister, Marilyn Gowen.

A celebration of Rhonda's life will be held October 22, 11 AM at Ullrey's Memorial Chapel.