Rhonda Lee Smith

Rhonda Lee Smith, of Napa California, passed into eternal rest February 19,
2023, at 65 years after a five month battle with cancer.
 

Born to Don and Shirley Ranke in Florida July 15, 1957, Rhonda spent most of
her childhood attending school in New Jersey, graduating from Freehold High
School in 1975 . Rhonda then moved to California where she took classes at
Napa Junior College, and soon after began working for the State of California,
as a clerk typist where she began a 42 year career, retiring as the Branch Chief
over Acquisitions. In the words of her former supervisor, Angela Shell,
“Rhonda cared deeply for her team members and was always there to support
them both professionally and personally through her mentoring, coaching and
listening ear. She was an exemplary employee and an example for all state
employees through her integrity, customer service and dedication to
supporting state procurement operations.”

Rhonda became the proud mother of Brian Wilson in 1980 and Steven Wilson
in 1982 with her first husband Bobby. She later married Dannie Smith in 1995
when she also welcomed a stepdaughter, Aubrei, into her always open arms
and mother’s heart. She was the much-loved grandmother of 7 grandchildren,
whom she delighted in spending time with.
 

Finding joy in life was never a problem for Rhonda and it was filled with many
hobbies and passions. Whether out on the green playing golf, at the pool table
or the casino, Rhonda was kicking butt and taking names. Her laughter could
always be heard at a game of dice or cards around a table with friends. In her
retirement, you could find Rhonda enjoying her “fun” job at the quilt shop in
Dixon or making one of her many beautiful quilts. When not working on
quilts, she’d be playing in the garden, cooking delicious food, traveling, or
enjoying time with her grandkids or friends.
 

Rhonda volunteered for positions in her community such as helping with golf
tournaments, acting as Secretary for the Napa Pool League, and as Senior
Regent for the Women of the Moose Lodge. She regularly put her many talents
to good use, whether making masks for others during the Covid Pandemic,
knitting baby hats for the Sutter NICU, or donating blankets and quilts to
charitable organizations. She was rarely idle and put her many skills to good
use. She had a heart of service, regularly putting others ahead of herself and
treating those around her with patience and respect.
 

Rhonda is greatly missed by her husband, Dan Smith, as well as her children
Brian, Steve and Aubrei along with her seven grandchildren. She is also
survived by her father, Donald Jr, and her brother Donald III. Rhonda is
predeceased by her mother, Shirley who passed on January 14, 2022.
Rhonda has left a vacancy in our hearts, many beautiful memories, and a
legacy to live a life of patience, kindness and service to others.
 

The family invites you to a celebration of life in honor of Rhonda:
Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2pm
Napa Moose Lodge, 3275 Browns Valley Road, Napa, CA 94558
Look for the driveway just past the Browns Valley Market with green and purple
balloons. The walking bridge to the Moose Lodge is located at the rear of the
back parking lot.

Please send any photos you might have with Rhonda to
picswithrhonda@gmail.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rhonda Lee Smith, please visit our floral store.