Rhonda Christensen

R honda C hristensen of North Platte peacefully passed away at home on September 30, 2023, at age 76.

Rhonda was born November 13, 1946, to Doris and Paul House in North Platte.  She was the middle child between Carmen, the oldest, and younger sister Debera.  As a child Rhonda went on many family vacations with her aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was very active in Girl Scouts, her family's church, and was an avid swimmer who went on to give lessons and lifeguard.

During high school, Rhonda participated in Key Club, chorus and band.  She graduated from North Platte High School then attended North Platte Community College, Union College and Kearney State College where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in social work.

In 1968 Rhonda married Ron Christensen in Kearney while he was attending college.  They went on to have two children, Kelly and Shawn, and were married for 53 years when Ron passed away.

Rhonda worked for the State of Nebraska as a social worker and manager for 25 years.  When she retired she was awarded the title of Navy Admiral for the State of Nebraska for her service to individuals and families.  She then went to work as director of Rape and Domestic Abuse Agency in North Platte and as a case manager for the Nebraska Children's Home Society.  She greatly enjoyed working with birth mothers, adoptive families and children.

Rhonda was a member of the Maxwell Ladies Auxiliary and a women's bible study group at the Bethel E Free Church.  She also served on the board of directors that created the Homeless Shelter in North Platte.  Rhonda greatly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and watching Nebraska football games.

Along with her husband, Ron, Rhonda was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Carmen and Sid Baker; and parents, Doris and Paul House.

Rhonda is survived by her sister, Debera Jensen of Colorado Springs; daughter, Kelly (Scott) Gwartney, of Avon, IN; son, Shawn Christensen, of North Platte; grandchildren, Tyler Christensen, Grace (Austin) Riggans, Simone Gwartney, Liam Gwartney and Tanner Christensen; great-grandchildren, Lainey and Brooks Riggans; sister-in-law, Sharon Christensen, of Sutherland; brother-in-law, Dan Christensen, of North Platte; as well as her beloved cousins and their spouses and many other family members.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, at Plainview Cemetery.  The guest book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials are to the family for later designation.