In the early hours of October 22nd, 2020, Rhonda passed away from natural causes in her sleep at her residence in Anaconda, Montana.
Rhonda was born on April 30th, 1957 in Phillipsburg, Montana to Joiner and Geraldine Mickey, the last of five children. Rhonda was raised a devout Catholic and attended St. Peter’s Catholic School and Anaconda Central High School. Once Anaconda Central closed her junior year, she graduated from Anaconda High School in 1975.
After high school, Rhonda attended MSU-Billings from 1975 until 1976 with hopes of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Later in life, she finished her education, graduating from Butte Vo-Tech in 1990 with a degree in Nursing.
Once Rhonda became a Licensed Practical Nurse, she worked 13 years at Montana State Hospital as a Mental Health Nurse, 1 year at the Montana State Prison in the infirmary, and a short stint as a Mental Health Nurse once again at Acadia/Rivendale in Butte, Montana for 6 months.
She was involved in a workplace accident which greatly changed the direction of her life. Due to injuries sustained in the acccident, she never returned to work as a Nurse again. This did not stop her from acting like a Nurse until the day she passed away. She always cared for anyone who she felt needed it.
Rhonda had a unique sense of humor that she shared with everyone, and performed random acts of kindness within the community of Anaconda up until her last breath. Even if it was her last piece of chocolate, she would share it with just about anybody. Her favorite snack was glazed hostess dohnuts, and it is quite possible that the Coca-Cola company will go out of business without her around. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, her great friend Mary, and most of all her sister Jeanne.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Joiner and Geraldine Mickey and her nephew Jamey “Mac” Mickey.
Rhonda is survived by her long time friend and the father of her children, Larry Hendrickson, her children and step-children, Kendra and Tim McAnally, Kelly and Mack Dittmer, Rhiley and Jessi Mickey, Hali and Bob Tracy, and her son Timothy Mickey.
Rhonda is also survived by her siblings Tom and Gaile Mickey, Tim and Crystal Mickey, Terry “Bugs” and Carol Mickey, and Jeanne and Dan Klima. Her Grandchildren and Grand Nieces and Nephews, Mattison McAnally, Ashton McAnally, Eli Dittmer, Landen Key, Brittyn Klima, Sophie McAnally, Payden Dittmer, Weston Klima and Nora McOmber, as well as 7 nieces and nephews.
The family would like to send special thanks and appreciation to Rhonda’s physician Dr. Vaughn Johnson of Deer Lodge, Montana, the Metcalf Center, and the local Meals on Wheels in Anaconda, Montana.
A private family service will be held at Holy Family Church this week, following the guidlines set in place by the CDC regarding gatherings during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
A celebration of life will be planned for this summer for anyone who would like to attend. There will be an announcement made to the public with ample time for all make plans and preparations if they would like to attend.
If anyone would like to send condolences or make a final personal comment to Rhonda and her family, please send them to Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services or post them on the company’s website at www.butterfuneralhome.com.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Rhonda. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Rhonda and her family.
Mary Kay Breslin says
Rhonda was always a giving loving person. She will be missed
Bug Mickey says
Got My Elk today . know you were there looking out for me … Brother Bug !
Aliceann Beausoleil says
I miss her so much we use to talk on messenger and I would be smoking and she was running too the store for cigarettes!
Peggie Best says
Fly High Rhonda. You were a special friend who could always make me smile. I appreciate you for being a wonderful person and wonderful friend.
Penny Forney says
My baby cousin Rhonda, oh how I loved your laugh and kindness. You will be missed so much! Tell everyone up in Heaven Hi for me! I love 💕 you Rhonda and you will always be in my heart ❤️
Jean Linghor-Pittsenbarger says
Just a memory that I will never forget, Rhonda was my neighbor for a few years and she lived across from me in an apartment complex so she could see in my kitchen window. One day she asked me if my husband at the time ever stopped eating she said every time she looked over she could see him in the cupboards or the fridge. LOL We built a great friendship at that time. Her children and my children grew up together until we moved to another state. I will always have fond memories. <3
Nancy-Miller Owens says
I am so very sorry to hear about Rhonda! Our families, The Mickeys and the Millers, had many great times together!
Gwen Anderson says
I am so sorry for your loss! 🙏💞 I enjoyed Rhonda’s comedic ways. We private messenged one another from time to time, and she would get me laughing out loud! Words cannot convey how sorry I am! R.I.P Rhonda and May God give comfort and peace to all of you during this time of loss!!💞💞
Helen McKeon says
Rhonda was always a fun loving, caring person with a huge heart. Prayers for her Family.
Mary Pahut says
Our heartfelt sympathy to the family! All the family members have that wonderful sense of humor🙏
Tim Mickey says
I will miss you forever Rho-Dozer. You’s was the best little sis. I will never look at The Addams Family and not think of you. Say hi to Mom Dad and Mac and the rest. Love Tim
Casey Ohman says
Spent many a days at Rhonda’s house on Sixth Street in Anaconda growing up. Running around with Rhiley and Hali, getting into trouble, Rhonda was like a second mom to me. She will be missed by many.
Anonymous says
Halo I’m so sorry.
Dena and Dick White says
She had a beautiful smile and her eyes sparkled. So many people loved her. She will be missed but never forgotten. God bless her for all the wonderful things she has done and all the lives that she has made better.
Tina Hendrickson says
To my sister Rhonda! We had so many fun times together! The Hendrickson family loved you as you very much loved all of us! We will miss your smile & your tender loving heart! Keep flapping those wings and flying high my Angel Rhonda! 💘
Chris Eamon says
– Rhonda lit up the room when she walked in – She was full of life and full of fun – A truly beautiful spirit – Rest in Peace Rhonda –
AHS Class of 1975 says
The Anaconda High School Class of 1975 lost a bit of sunshine with Rhonda’s passing. She will be remembered for her energy, bright smile, and amazing sense of humor. God bless you, Rhonda, and your family.
John McNay says
Memories of Rhonda will always make me smile. As others say, she brought in a bit of sunshine into the world. The world is a darker place without her. Godspeed, Rhonda.
James AspHolm says
Condolences to the Mickey family in this time of sorrow. Rhonda was a fun person who would take time to listen and offer advice. She will be missed.
Cate Shackelford says
Sorry to hear about Rhonda. I haven’t seen her since high school ended but always enjoyed her antics!
Laurie Boehler Walsh says
Tears falling as I read these fitting tributes to “our” Rhonda. 🙁 She was one of the VERY few people I know who’d say something entirely “silly” just to make you laugh! We had a few treasured phone visits during her last years. Such a loss. Deepest sympathies to her family. May perpetual light shine upon you, Rhonda!~
Abby Laughlin says
Very sorry to hear about the loss of a fun friend, Rhonda. So many fun times at your house, slumber parties, get togethers, and raising some h*ll. We had a lot of laughs through grade school & high school.
Condolences to all of Rhonda’s friends and family.
Paul and Sandie Seveyka says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Rhonda and Hali both worked for us. We had a lot of fun even while working. Will miss her smile, and Hali , we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Lindy Faber says
Rhonda was such a caring friend. We messaged about our love of cats. My oldest sister was a good friend of Jerry’s, they were in school together, and also Nurses training. My condolences to the family, and remember the fun times. Rhonda could make anyone laugh, she had such a smile. Love and hugs, Lindy
Dennis Stone says
Condolences to the Mickey family. Rhonda had a heart of gold may you rest in peace my friend.
Bill Conlon says
I have many memories of Rhonda although I have not seen her in over 40 years. I went to Anaconda Central and Anaconda High School with her. We skipped a few classes and drank a few beers along the way. Once we walked out of a class on the second floor of Anaconda High School, went to my car and drank a beer and then returned to class. Hard now to believe we did this, but I think that was Rhonda. Our class indeed lost a bit of sunshine with Rhonda’s passing.
Joanie Raaum says
Rhonda was so much fun, you’ll be missed my friend. RIP ❤️
Antonette Reisenauer says
I miss you my bgf ever! Hope you rest in peace! Hot chocolate and peanur butter toast. we sure had some great times ! Love ya my best.gal friend ever.