Rhonda Kay Thurman, 82, of Dubuque, IA, originally of St. Louis, Missouri & resided in Galena, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at Ennoble Manor Care Center in Dubuque.

Born on December 10, 1943, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to Kenneth G. Clark and M. Lucille Clark, Rhonda grew up with a spirit that was fine—until you told her no. That quiet determination defined her life and endeared her to everyone who knew her.

Rhonda earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and devoted her career to caring for others. Her passion for helping everyone she met was evident in both her professional life and her everyday kindness. She was formerly employed at Mercy Medical Center, in Dubuque, from where she retired, and served as an EMT with the Galena Area Ambulance Service.

In 1969, Rhonda married James H. Thurman, the love of her life. They met on a double date when the stars aligned, and together they built a beautiful family. Their first child arrived in October 1970, followed by two more. Rhonda was a devoted mother, grandmother & great-grandmother who cherished time with her family above all else.

She found great joy in her horses and her dogs, animals that returned the unconditional love she gave so freely.

Surviving are her siblings Carl Clark and Jerry Clark; her children, Stephanie, Carol, and Anthony; her grandchildren, Maria, Gannon, Alexis, and Jared; and her great-grandchildren, Maeve and Colin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth G. Clark and M. Lucille Clark; and her beloved husband, James H. Thurman.

Rhonda's legacy of love, compassion, and quiet strength will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, IL. Burial will be in St. John's Apostles Cemetery, Bismarck, MO.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©