Rhonda Kaye Bocksnick·Emerson
courtesy photo
Rhonda Bocksnnick-Emerson
RONAN - Rhonda Kaye Emerson passed away peacefully surrounded by friends, family and her beloved animals Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Rhonda was born July 16, 1955, to Herb and Edna Bocksnick in Ronan. Her proudest accomplishment was the over 300 hours she had in law enforcement training. In her own words:
I loved bowling and golf. As a high schooler I excelled in softball at third base. I loved life and would try anything once. I started working in the eighth grade at Price’s and never stopped working until I became ill at 55. I was never without work and people would call me to work for them.
I married Stephen Marsh in August of 1973; we had a daughter, Randi Lynn, and divorced in 1978.
In 1979 I married Jerry Emerson, who was my true soul mate. He brought all the good in me out, I loved him more than anyone could have.
My daughter was everything I always hoped I could be. I lived my life through her and her adventures. Randi was so kind and gentle with a sense of humor that was amazing. I love the woman she grew up to be. She also gave me an amazing grandson, Asa. Asa taught me a Nana’s love is never ending. When he was 5 years old, I made him a quilt, special for a boy on the go. One day he told me, “This is my special quilt!” I told him I was so happy he liked the bugs and things on it. His answer back was, “No Nana! It’s special because you made it!” My heart was forever gone.
The last four to five years of my life being home bound, I made over 40 quilts to give away to family and friends to remember me by. It was a true-passion and it was the one thing I could do and feel normal and do something for someone else.
When I was told I had pulmonary fibrosis and no cure, I turned my life over to God. If I helped one person find faith in the Lord my suffering was worth it all.
I’m leaving behind my loving husband, Jerry Emerson; daughter, Randi Marsh and her husband Seth Anderson and their son Asa; brother and his wife, Randy and Barb Bocksnick; sisters, Bev Luedtke and her husband Dan, Sandy Love Sprague and husband Steve, Mindy Fyant and husband Brian; adopted sons, Tony Collier and wife Vaun, Jon Lewandowski and Jason Ries; and most of all my mother from God, Dorothy Bocksnick. She gave me a great childhood and is that one in a million. To my special nephew in Texas, Mike Bocksnick, I will miss our weekly talks. Also survived by my nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. I love you all and you all have your own special places in my heart.
Dan Luedtke, my niece Lacy Cates, best friend Coral Lockwood, and Janet Drake, it was because of all the great love and care that I was able to stay home. Gods blessings to you all.
Signing off for now, I will make a place for you and watch over you all.
Rhonda is preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Edna (McGuire) Bocksnick; and brother, Gary Bocksnick.
Some of Rhonda’s greatest loves were her animals. She has requested that memorial donations be made to a no-kill shelter or to the restoration of the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission Church.
Services were held on April 11, 2016.
