Rhonda Kay Martin of Mountain Home, Arkansas, was born on April 27, 1955, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to loving parents Jessie and Clara (Pressley) Martin. Throughout her life, she cherished her roles as a devoted daughter, caring sister, a nurturing mother, and a beloved aunt. On September 27, 2023, Rhonda departed this world in Springfield, MO. Rhonda’s educational journey took her from Mammoth Spring High School, where she graduated in 1973, to the Bank of Thayer in Missouri where she worked two years. She pursued her passion for learning, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 1979. Rhonda dedicated her career to the Mountain Home Public School System as a Special Education Teacher from 1979 to 1983 and later as a fourth-grade teacher until her well deserved retirement in 2007.
On September 15, 1986, Rhonda welcomed Anisha into her life, adopting her from India. Anisha became the heart and soul of Rhonda’s existence. Rhonda had a deep interest in American Sign Language and held a strong Baptist faith. She selflessly volunteered her time, spending four years at the Baxter Medical Center in the Physical Therapy Department and contributing to the Mountain Home Humane Society for a brief period. Throughout her adult life, Rhonda shared her home with four cherished dogs: Lambsey, Bomber, Scamper, and Toby. Her passion for collecting watermelon memorabilia spanned over three decades. Rhonda was an avid reader and found joy in writing poetry. She had a diverse taste in music, with a special fondness for the Beatles, Cher, and Elton John. Her favorite movie was Rainman. In 2014, Rhonda faced her first battle with cancer, showing remarkable bravery in each subsequent year. Despite losing the use of her left arm and hand to cancer in 2019, she never uttered a complaint. Rhonda drew strength and inspiration from her loving family, who provided unwavering support and care throughout her courageous fight. From 2019 to 2023, Rhonda lived with Leah Ann and Tony, who were instrumental in her journey.
Rhonda is survived by her mother, Clara Martin of Mammoth Spring, AR., daughter, Anisha Martin of Oakland, CA., sister, Leah Ann Iaguessa (Tony) of Springfield, MO., nephew, Joey Iaguessa and friend Timber White of Denver, CO., and many other extended family members and friends. Friends who held a special place in her heart include : Terry Berry of Bono, AR., Marvon Browning of Springfield, MO., cousin, Kathy French of Portland, TN., Norenda James of Jonesboro, AR., Rhonda Neal of Springdale, AR., Jim Rainey of Mountain Home, AR., Judy St Clair of Mountain Home, AR, and Mary Jane Taylor of Mammoth Spring, AR..
Rhonda’s legacy will forever be cherished by those whose lives she touched.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her father, Jessie Martin, brother, Roger Martin, all her grandparents, several aunt and uncles, special friend, Susan Manes and her treasured neighbor, Don Freeman.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to either the America Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. at 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX, 75380.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
Services will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Pallbearers include: Troy Ayers, Pete Cooper, Danny French, Garreth James, Mark Schutt, and Larry Taylor.
Interment will be on October 6, 2023, at the Riverside Cemetery of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with services under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri.
September 29, 2023 @ 7:23 pm
Clara, Leah Ann & family, Anisha, I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort.
September 30, 2023 @ 12:33 pm
Clara and Leah Ann, We are so sorry for your loss. Much love, Donna and Butch
October 3, 2023 @ 11:17 am
Clara, Leah Ann and Anisha, to there are no words to express the sorrow I feel for your enormous loss. I am thinking and praying all of you. Peace be with you during the difficult days ahead.
October 3, 2023 @ 11:43 am
Clara, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.. my love to you, Timber Cox
October 4, 2023 @ 10:40 am
Clara and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with peace and comfort.
October 4, 2023 @ 2:17 pm
I am sorry for your loss. She was a very nice lady. I know she was loved and will be missed.
October 4, 2023 @ 9:25 pm
Condolences to the family. I taught with Rhonda in Mountain Home. She was a sweet lady.
October 7, 2023 @ 2:20 pm
Much love and strength to the Martin family today…
November 25, 2023 @ 12:31 am
I am a former student. Ms. Martin was my favorite teacher ever and I just looked her up to find a way to tell her how important she was to me as a child and to thank her. I am crushed to find that she has passed. I hope my words reach her family— I am so deeply sorry for your loss, because I know just from the short time I was lucky enough to know her that she was a special, beautiful person. Ms. Martin was the reason I became a teacher. I moved away mid-school year 2000-2001 and she actually cried and hugged me goodbye so tight I could barely breathe. (I moved a lot as a kid with a military parent, and I never had a teacher show any sort of emotion about me leaving before or after). She truly celebrated wins, listened to concerns, and comforted and encouraged those of us who ended up crying “on the wall” at recess after we got ourselves in trouble haha. She had so much compassion and endless love for her students, and she was a treasure to any child who was lucky enough to have been placed in her classroom. Without a doubt, she has deeply impacted so many lives. I know she must have been an amazing person outside of the classroom as well, she had a real twinkle of glee in her eyes which is what I remember most about her besides the feeling of safety she emanated. She was always so excited and her eyes were so bright and glittery with joy and energy— Ms. Martin genuinely sparkled inside and out. I am so incredibly sorry for the family’s immense loss, and my heart goes out to anyone affected by the pain of losing of this wonderful woman. Ms. Martin, I love you so much and I am so grateful for everything you did for me and for every other student blessed enough to have been around you. Thank you for being the best teacher any child could hope to have.