Rhonda Lou (Luck) Hutsell, 66, left this world July 30, 2024, to join and rejoice with her beloved son Jason and other loved ones in eternal rest. The daughter of John and Grace (Fulks) Luck, she was born at the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Missouri Jan. 9, 1958, and passed away at her home in Licking, Missouri.
Rhonda is preceded in death by her son, Jason Luck Ryan; her parents, John and Grace Luck; two sisters, Kathleen Buchanan and Margaret Bray; and two brothers, Tom Luck and Robert Earl Luck.
She is survived by her husband, Lloyd (Vaughan) Hutsell of Licking; daughter, Tiffany Wood and husband Chris (who Rhonda fondly called son-in-law) of Rolla, Missouri; her favorite grandchild, Addison Wood; three sisters, Nadine Dawson and husband Jerry of Bourbon, Missouri; Elaine Swindell of Raymondville, Missouri; and Connie Farrell of Houston; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.
Rhonda was raised in Houston where she received Christ as her Savior during her youth and graduated from Houston High School in 1976. Her life was a testament to her enduring belief in service – service to God, her family and her work.
Rhonda started working as a candy striper, waiting on patients and then serving them meals before becoming a nurse’s aide at Texas County Memorial Hospital. She continued her career in the service field where she volunteered and worked for the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation in sports and recreation, child and youth services, leisure travel, volunteer services and financial readiness for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Army at military installations in two countries – Newfoundland, Canada and Guantánamo Bay, Cuba – and several states.
Rhonda retired as a Department of Army Civilian in July 2023 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, after serving in government service for 36 years. After moving back to Missouri, Rhonda married Vaughan Hutsell Feb. 14, 1994.
Her family was everything to her and nothing made her happier than spending time with those she loved the most over one of her homemade meals. She adored her grandchild, Addison, and was extremely proud of her husband and children. Her passions were cooking, baking, sharing her food with others and giving – you rarely left Rhonda’s house hungry or empty-handed. She loved everything Christmas and was an avid collector of angels and dishes.
Rhonda was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Known for her giving and loving nature, she had a huge heart and was always looking for ways to help her family and friends and felt that God had given her each day to enjoy and live for Him. Although she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, she is now at peace with Jason.
A visitation for Rhonda will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5 at Evans Funeral Home in Houston. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jimmy Swindell officiating. Pallbearers are Levi Dawson, Tanner Wilkinson, Ryan Curtis, John Hardy, Wesley Hardy, Cody Hardy, Ryne Emerick and Donald Hutsell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ozark Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at www.evansfh.com.
PAID