Rhonda Renae Kirkman Henderson

"I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see.”

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Rhonda Renae Kirkman Henderson, 58, a life-long resident of Walnut, kept the faith, won the victory, and walked into her heavenly home as she departed this earthly life at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee following a brief illness.

Funeral Services honoring Rhonda’s life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 2 PM in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with visitation on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Friday, May 23, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service. Bro. William Kirkman will be officiating and burial will follow in the New Salem Cemetery in Walnut with a graveside prayer. 

Born December 3, 1966, in Ripley, Rhonda was the daughter of the late Roy “Dean” and Dorothy Sue Bates Kirkman. She was a graduate of Walnut High School and on December 15, 1984, married her beloved husband, Kenny, who survives.  A homemaker, she was the epitome of a true friend, loving everyone she knew, and living life to the fullest.

A Christian and a member of Bethel Church in Walnut, Rhonda’s greatest blessings were those fortunate enough to call her “Granmomma”.  She was her daughter’s best friend and her grandchildren’s biggest fan. Her love for her family was like none other and she cherished the time she shared with them. With a contagious laugh and a smile that would light up any room, there weren’t a lot of things that Rhonda did not enjoy doing.  Whether listening to her grandson, Landon, and her beloved Kenny playing their guitars, while Landon and her daughter, Katania, would sing, or entering a dance competition with Kenny, to which they won their fair share, she lived for it all.  She dearly loved a nice nap and going night fishing, but her most enjoyable thing to do recently was riding her red and black RZR side by side that Kenny graciously purchased for her. 

Wonderful memories will continue to be cherished by her loving husband of forty years, Kenneth “Kenny”, one daughter, Katania Harris of Walnut, one brother, Hubert “Bud” Bates of Walnut, seven much adored grandchildren, Landon Lewis (Summer), Deena Lewis, Katie Lovelace (Cory), Emily, Leah, Braxtn and Bella Harris, one treasured great-granddaughter, Olivia Wilson, one bonus daughter, Stephanie McClure (Scottie) of Walnut, two bonus grandchildren, Sophie Parsons and Bradley McClure, her best friend, Angel Jackson and her canine companion, Piper.

Rhonda was greeted in Heaven by her parents, her stepmother Brenda Kirkman, a grandchild she never had the opportunity to meet, and her closest friend, Betty Jean Mercer.

The family would like to thank everyone for the food, calls, text, visits, donations and the outpouring love and prayers that has been shown to them during this difficult time, as well as the nurses and staff at Methodist University Hospital, sixth floor of Shorb Tower, for their affectionate love and care shown to Rhonda.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations go to the GoFundMe account for funeral expenses. 

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the Henderson family.

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