Rhonna Lynn Donohue

Rhonna Lynn Donohue, age 65, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Ferndale, Washington, on Thursday, April 29, 2021, after a short but courageous four-month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 11:59 p.m.—a tender mercy from God that reflected her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11 (the 29th day in the 11th hour).

Rhonna was born on December 22, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, to Kenneth and Marcene Donohue. She grew up in the Shoreline area and graduated from Shoreline High School in 1974, where she excelled in gymnastics and went on to compete at the state level. She later earned her associate degree from Shoreline Community College.

Through the influence of her future husband, Oscar Oxford, Rhonna came to faith in Christ and was baptized in 1979 by Pastor Chuck Smith at Pirate’s Cove in Corona del Mar, California. On November 1, 1980, in that very same place, she and Oscar were married in a ceremony officiated by Pastor Chuck Smith. Together they began their family, raising children in California and later in Washington.

Rhonna’s professional life was as vibrant as it was varied. She began her career in retail at The Bon Marché during high school, and in 1979 moved to California to help open the new Costa Mesa Nordstrom. After becoming a mother, she built a thriving sewing business, creating women’s and children’s clothing, altering wedding gowns, and selling her work at California bazaars and swap meets. Later, she became a real estate agent in Washington State for many years, and eventually a receptionist at a pediatric office. With her characteristic humor, she gave herself nicknames for each season of her working life: “Rhonna Retail,” “Rhonna Realtor,” and “Rhonna Receptionist.”

A woman of deep faith, Rhonna’s life was centered on following Jesus. She was active in church ministries, attended Bible studies over many years, went on a mission trip to Thailand, and faithfully served others—especially single mothers and her beloved sister Rochelle during her illness.

Above all, Rhonna loved being a mother and grandmother—“Bada” to her cherished grandchildren, Thor and Grace. She often drove two hours after a long workweek just to spend weekends with them, filling their days with joy, laughter, and homemade meals. She loved traveling (especially to Mexico and Hawaii), hearing live music, dancing, cooking, and creating beauty through sewing, gardening, and decorating.

Those who knew Rhonna will remember her sparkling blue eyes, her warm and welcoming nature, and her gift for making people feel valued. She showed love through acts of service—whether making a meal, helping with a project, caring for someone after surgery, or lending a listening ear. Her last five years were her best—marked by renewed faith, health, and joy in her family.

Rhonna is survived by her parents, Kenneth and Marcene Donohue; her children, Rachel (Andrew) Gustafson, Ryan Oxford, Robert (Heather) Oxford, and Rebecca Oxford; her grandchildren, Thor and Grace Gustafson; her sister and best friend, Rochelle (Kenneth) Cornett; her brother, Randall (Carla) Donohue; her former husband, Oscar Oxford; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first baby, her grandparents Matthew & Ora Donohue and Ansel & Alma Knutson, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A private Celebration of Life was held on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021, at the home of her daughter Rachel and son-in-law Andrew Gustafson. Family shared stories, enjoyed “Donohue Waffles” made with Rhonna’s waffle iron, and buried her ashes on the property where she spent her final months. A white dogwood tree—her favorite—was planted in her memory.

Rhonna’s family takes comfort in knowing she is free from pain and with the Lord she loved so dearly. She will be missed beyond measure until we meet again in Christ.

A note found written in Rhonna’s words: “I am His unconditionally, and He will never leave me or forsake me. Thank you, Lord, for your unspeakable love. God does not base our value on performance but on who we are in Him. Saved by grace alone!”