Rhonda Queen, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Harborview Hospital in Seattle, Washington.

She  was born on January 18, 1954, in Sylva, North Carolina, to Samuel H. and Velma B. Queen. When she was just 18 months old, her family made a new start in Forks, Washington, a cross-country bus trip her mother would fondly recall for years, remembering little Rhonda crawling everywhere and using her as a climbing post. Even then, her spirited nature was shining through.

Rhonda and her brother, Billy, shared a childhood filled with simple joys, including their mother's tuna sandwiches served with grape Kool-Aid in their  tri-color metal cups, memories Billy treasures to this day.

Over the years, Rhonda made homes in several places throughout Washington. She lived in Birdsview from 2003 to 2013, later moving to Mount Vernon, where she resided until her passing.

Rhonda had a gentle, creative soul. She could always be found wrapped in a cozy blanket with a book in her hands. She loved knitting, sewing, canning, writing, and any craft she could dive into. Mornings often found her sitting outside in the sun with a newspaper and a cup of black coffee the only way she ever drank it. She loved the ocean, nature, gardening, and caring for plants. Professionally, she worked in health care and devoted herself to caring for adults with special needs, a role that reflected her deeply compassionate heart.

In March of 2013, Rhonda entered her favorite chapter of life becoming a grandmother. She moved into the same complex as her grandson, Aiden, because she simply couldn't stand being away from her "Boo." From the moment he was born, he was her world. Day or night, she answered his calls on the first ring. They read together, meditated, explored, laughed, and shared a love that filled both their lives with joy.

Their mischief was legendary. When Aiden was five, Rhonda bought him a 110cc quad, and the two became partners in playful trouble. When caught sneaking cookies or candy, they would point at each other with mock seriousness before bursting into laughter. After a full day of adventures, they would fall asleep together on the couch content, happy, and inseparable.

Life grew even brighter when little Opal came along "Maggie May," as Rhonda lovingly nicknamed her, because she stole her heart instantly. With two grandkids to spoil, Rhonda's joy overflowed. She funded a steady stream of McDonald's trips, pizza nights, and ice cream treats so many that she often prepaid the ice cream man just to make sure the kids never heard the word "no."

Before Opal was even two, Rhonda surprised her with a big pink Barbie Jeep so she could race around the yard with Aiden, while Rhonda sat in her chair coffee in hand, sun on her face laughing at every moment. A trampoline soon followed, of course; "Grandma's rules," she would say. Together, the three of them formed a team, happily ganging up on Mom, sharing secrets, surprises, and endless giggles.

Rhonda also passed down her love of reading. She filled the kids' shelves with hundreds of books, always excited to find them a new story to get lost in. Encouraging their imagination, curiosity, and creativity was one of her greatest joys.

Rhonda leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and devotion. She made sure the people she loved never went without whether it was a warm meal, a listening ear, a handmade blanket, or one more toy "they just had to have." Her heart was as boundless as her spirit, and her family will forever feel her presence in every story read, every moment of mischief, every ray of warm sun, and every shared laugh.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Rhonda is survived by her children, Jennifer Prater (Robert Staton), Jasmine (Tres) Coombs, Samantha (Matthew) Biggers, Fred (Rose Nevins) Sizemore; grandchildren, Aiden, Opal, Bailey and Glenn; brother, BillyRay Queen; numerous cousins, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother Velma B Queen, father Samuel H Queen, uncle Ransom "Ramp"  Queen, aunt Ruby Dorsey, grandma Lula Queen and grandpa Fred Queen.

"Stronger than she had to be and softer than the world deserved. Hold a place for us in heaven as you did here in your heart on earth"

A Celebration of Rhonda's life will be held at 2:00, on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Lemley Chapel, 1008 Third Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA. Share your memories of Rhonda  and sign the online guest register.