Rhonda S. Beard, second child of Harold R. and Verlene (Willsey) Wright was born May 19, 1949 in Imperial, Nebraska. She was baptized in the Methodist Church in Imperial. Rhonda married Terry L. Beard on September 17, 1967 in Imperial, Nebraska and they were blessed with two sons, Michael Dean and James Neal.
She attended Lone Star District 24 grade school and graduated Chase County High School in Imperial and continued to graduate Parks School of Business. Rhonda later developed a desire for more education and proceeded to earn certificates in Compensation Management, Professional in Human Resources, and Certified Employee Benefit Special (CEBS).
Rhonda’s CEBS from Wharton School of Business was one that she valued because of it’s integrity and the fact that she finished the 8 segments in 15 months when the average is 5 -7 years. It was concluded with Commencement in Seattle, Washington and coincided with Terry and Rhonda’s 40th wedding anniversary which they celebrated at the Space Needle in 2007.
She earned her Bachelor Of Science Degree from Regis University in 2008, and she was motivated to continue for her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership in the spring of 2011 with a 4.0 GPA and Summa Cum Laude for both degrees. Rhonda worked in the Human Resources field for over 25 years.
Rhonda had a vast assortment of experiences in life from living in Lakewood, Colorado, Bangkok, Thailand, Champion and Imperial, Nebraska, finally moving to Loveland, Colorado in 1997. She had a love of the rural setting with all of her animals and country living, but developed a great passion for the mountains, and especially the North Park area.
Rhonda developed many friendships and touched many lives at work and in her personal life. She was a kind and loving person with many interests. She enjoyed camping, riding atv’s, fishing, hiking, hunting, and just being in the mountains.
She co-founded Wish Upon A Quilt which was a foundation to make quilts for newborns, oncology patients, and the needy. They also held fund raisers to donate to local health and community services.
As a talented artist, Rhonda made many paintings, jewelry, and crafts, but her real love was quilting. She is remembered for her outstanding work and great ability to match color and design. She won various awards and was very humble. She just didn’t want the recognition so she didn’t enter many contests, nor did she display her quilting awards or diplomas and certificates for education.
Her friends and family were the highlight of her life. She was always trying to help others. Her Grandchildren were a special love and she was looking forward to spending more time with them after her coming retirement.
Rhonda Passed away April 26, 2013 at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. She will always be missed and remembered by her husband Terry and son James of Loveland; grandchildren, Austin, Benjamin, and Kylie Beard of Bassett, Nebraska; brother Bill Wright and wife Carolyn of Grant Nebraska; sister Janice Goddard and husband Dick of Imperial, Nebraska; sister-in-law Ashley Johnson and husband Floyd of Reedsport, Oregon; former brother-in-law Dan Kunnemann of Imperial, Nebraska; and many other relatives and friends.
Services at Allnutt Funeral Service Friday, May 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A reception to follow in the Allnutt Reception Center. Online guestbook signing and condolences at www.allnutt.com. A memorial has been established to CYO-Colorado Youth Outdoors in care of Allnutt Funeral Service.