Rhonda Louise Woodruff's Obituary
Rhonda Louise Woodruff, 75, died on June 8th, 2026. She was born on February 11th, 1951 in DeQueen, Arkansas to the late Sam and Mattie Crews.
Rhonda was truly larger than life. She had a remarkable gift for making those around her feel seen, valued, and loved. Her light spirit brought joy to every space, and her contagious laugh will echo in our memories every time we remember a “Rhonda story.”
Above all else, Rhonda was a woman of faith. She learned faith not through words, but through the example set by her mother. Rhonda would go on to model how to face life with optimism, love people generously, and trust God through both blessings and hardships.
Rhonda attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas, where she met Jim Woodruff, the man who would become her husband, best friend, and partner in all things for the next 56 years. Together, they built a purpose-filled life in Rogers, Arkansas, centered on faith, family, community, and a shared sense of adventure.
They loved floating rivers, exploring the outdoors, gathering with family and friends, and enjoying meals together at Coy’s, Tale of the Trout, Catfish John’s, Fred’s Hickory Inn, and Levi’s. Some of their favorite memories were made cheering on the Razorbacks - from local games to unforgettable trips as far away as Hawaii.
Rhonda's happiest days began when she became a proud mother to Kyle and Patrick. She treasured every season of motherhood and the close relationship she shared with her boys. She never took for granted the hugs, kisses, and frequent reminders from her big boys about how lucky they felt to have her as their Mom.
Jim and Rhonda were always there for their boys and their friends, which is how Rhonda earned the nickname "MaMa Rhonda." The Woodruff home became a neighborhood institution, with a revolving front door and a kitchen that always seemed to be feeding one more teenager. Rhonda was famous for her fried okra, endless macaroni and cheese, and her “silver bowl of joy” filled with homemade Caesar salad. No one ever left the Woodruff house hungry, and few left without feeling like family.
Rhonda became "NaNa" to six grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to be part of their world. Annual trips to Branson, the infamous Taco Tuesdays, and Christmas mornings spent together became some of Jim and Rhonda’s favorite moments, creating memories and traditions that will continue for generations to come.
Rhonda had a heart for serving others and devoted much of her life to helping her community. Whether through her church, her community, or simply being a friend, she made the kind of difference time cannot erase.
During her years at Elmwood Junior High, “Mrs. Woody” earned the love and respect of her students in her special education classroom. When the opportunity arose to start the Elmwood R-Stepper drill team, she didn't hesitate. She jumped in, started leading the beat and created an experience her girls would never forget.
She dedicated countless hours to organizations and causes she believed in, including St. Vincent de Paul, Beta Sigma Phi, Open Avenues, the Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation, Rogers Public Schools, and numerous community fundraising efforts. Whether serving as President of the PTO, President of the Booster Club, an active member of the PTA, leading Rogers High School Project Graduation, chairing fundraising events, or serving on the boards of the Rogers Community School Recreation Association and Open Avenues, Rhonda had a gift for bringing people together in support of a greater purpose. Among her many contributions, she played an instrumental role in helping spearhead the development of Open Avenues' new building, creating opportunities that will benefit the community for years to come. Her commitment to students, families, and education was recognized when she was named the Rogers Chamber of Commerce Education Volunteer of the Year.
Rhonda experienced both the greatest blessings and the deepest sorrows of life. She carried the loss of her grandson, Miller, and her son, Patrick, with a grace and strength that inspired all who knew her. Though grief became part of her story, it never defined her. Rhonda used her experience to walk alongside other mothers facing the loss of a child, offering hope, understanding, and living proof that it was possible to keep moving forward, even when carrying the unimaginable weight of grief.
In her final chapter, Rhonda confronted cancer the same way she confronted every challenge in life—the Crews way. When told something couldn't be done, the Crews family set out to prove otherwise. Rhonda approached her diagnosis with that same stubborn determination, optimism, and courage, fighting the good fight for more than 4 and a half years. Even during her hardest days, she continued to inspire those around her with her sense of humor and unwavering optimism.
While she longed for the day she would see her loved ones again, she never lost faith in that promise. Today, we find peace in knowing she has been reunited with Patrick and Miller, and we lean on that same promise, trusting that one day we will see her again.
Throughout her life, Rhonda embodied the words of 1 Corinthians 13:13: “and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Of all the gifts she shared with the world, love was her greatest legacy – and it is a legacy that will live on through her family, her friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Mattie Crews, brothers Quentious and Wendell (Avis) Crews, son Patrick Cole Woodruff, and grandson Miller McNeil Woodruff.
Rhonda is survived by her husband, Jim Woodruff; her son, Kirby Kyle Woodruff; daughters-in-law Angela Woodruff and Meredith Woodruff; and her five cherished grandchildren: Cole Crews Woodruff, Mattie McNeil Woodruff, James Reid Woodruff, Nelson Buckley Woodruff, and Kaylee Elizabeth Woodruff. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Tom Woodruff, sister-in-law, Monica Bray, and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, June 16th at 10:00 am at St. Vincent DePaul in Rogers, AR.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Rogers.
Live stream will be available on the St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital https://support.archildrens.org/give/280202/#!/donation/checkout and Circle of Life https://4agc.com/donation_pages/2f0db50b-8093-4b93-8625-6960247b819e.
The Woodruff family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all who cared for Rhonda throughout her cancer journey. A special thank you to the Highlands Oncology team, especially Dr. Dan Bradford, Dr. Blake Lockwood, and the clinical trial research team, for their compassion and dedication.
The family is also deeply grateful to the Circle of Life Hospice team for the comfort and loving care they provided during Rhonda's final days in the Miller McNeil Woodruff Room.
Finally, the family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Lisa Cummins, whose friendship, love, and extraordinary care brought comfort, strength, and peace to Rhonda and her family throughout this journey.
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