Rhonda Dene Willard, age 57, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at her home in Ft. Scott. She was born September 27, 1968, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Melvin C. Willard and Elinor J. Rogers Willard.

Rhonda had been a part of the Tri-Valley community since its beginning. The people at Tri-Valley became a second family to Rhonda. She loved working in the workshop, going on special trips and participating in the Special Olympics. Rhonda was always thinking of others, and it was her custom to make a picture for each of her loved ones on their birthday. Rhonda had a childlike faith and will be remembered for her quiet, gentle way.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Mark 10:14

Survivors include her two sisters, Catherine Johnson, with whom she made her home, and Lettie Gunnels, of Ft. Scott, and several nieces and nephews as well as her aunts and uncle. Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Elinor Willard, and a brother, Harvey Rogers.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 22nd at the U.S. National Cemetery. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Rhonda Willard Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.