Rhonda Simonton

Rhonda Beth Simonton, 61, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015, at the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa.

She was born January 13, 1954, in Creston, Iowa, the daughter of Maurice and Margaret (Shultz) Pelzer. Rhonda was raised in the Lyman, Iowa, area and attended school in Griswold graduating from Griswold High with the class of 1972. Later, in 1972, she was united in marriage with Kim Simonton at the Noble United Methodist Church near Lyman. They made their home in rural Atlantic, Iowa.

Rhonda was a member of the Noble United Methodist Church and most recently attended the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic. She was a homemaker until Kim took over his family's heating and plumbing business in 1987. Rhonda then became the bookkeeper and organizer of the business.

She was famous for her skills in the kitchen. She always had some sort of baked good ready on the counter for any company that might stop by. She spent every minute she could with her grandchildren. They were her heart and soul. They quickly learned that Grandma would do anything for them and this often included a trip to town for a special treat.

Surviving Rhonda are her son, Josh (Christina) Simonton and their children, Jake, Scott and Jennifer all of Atlantic, IA; her daughter, Amy (Joe) Hetrick and their children, Isabella and Betty all of Iowa City, IA; her mother-in-law, Phyllis Simonton of Atlantic, IA; her sisters-in-law, Joy Pelzer and Susan (Steve) Scarlett; her brothers-in-law, Bill Sternad and Kelly (Bev) Simonton; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. .

Preceding Rhonda in death were her husband, Kim Simonton; her parents, Maurice and Margaret Pelzer; and her grandson, Cook E. Hetrick.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Rhonda's life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2015, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.

Memorials are requested to the family to be used per Rhonda's wishes at a later time.