Rhonda June Yaw (Absher), age 64, passed away on October 24, 2021 at a VA connected hospital in Madison, WI due to post surgery complications after undergoing two major organ transplants. Services will be held Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 11am at Davis Funeral Chapel in Leavenworth, KS followed by graveside service at 12:30. Visitation will be 9am-11am before the service. She was born on December 7, 1956 in Franklin, IN and was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert Junior Absher and Mae Bell Absher (O'Sullivan). She joined the U.S. Navy in March 1977 and spent a total of 13 years in both Active and Reserve service as a Radioman (later merged to Information System Technician) and finished her time as a Petty Officer First Class. She enjoyed being stationed around the world in places like Japan, Spain, Virginia, and California while making friends that lasted a lifetime. She held various supervisory and high-profile leadership positions which resulted in a very distinguished career. Rhonda was in every sense a "Trail Blazer" paving the way for women that came after her in a time where there were very few women joining the military. After her time in the service, she lived in various states including Indiana, California, Texas, Kansas and most recently in Gladstone, Missouri. Rhonda was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her entire family and friends, especially her grandchildren. The reunions and family time were her greatest joys and she loved to share about their escapades and precious memories. She was also an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved to watch the games. She possessed a strong belief in God and knew, without a doubt, that he was in control of every aspect of her life. Rhonda was incredibly strong and brave while dealing with her health challenges with so much dignity and even sometimes humor. She will be missed terribly by all those who loved and knew her. She is survived by her daughters: Sara Yaw (Jeremy Phelps) of Gladstone, MO and Christen Hoffman (Chris Hoffman) of Ames, IA, her grandchildren: Zane, Ryder, and Mason, her brothers: John Duke, Roger Absher, and Randy Absher, and her Aunt: Sharon Burleson.

The family wishes to convey a deep expression of gratitude to the VA Hospital, staff, and teams that were involved in her care throughout the last couple of years. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) associated in her honor.