Rhonda Jelsma, age 68, of Grandville, spent the last 21 months courageously fighting cancer and passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Rhonda had a heart for service and was a natural caretaker. She generously gave her time volunteering with numerous organizations and charities, as well as faithfully serving her church. One of the ways Rhonda most often showed her love for others was through food. She loved to bake and was especially well known for her delicious desserts, which she happily shared with family, friends, and those around her. The most important thing to her though, was her family. She loved spending time with them, caring for them, and was an excellent example of Christ’s love for them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Sharon Holwerda, and parents-in-law, Gordon Sr. and Nancy Jelsma. Rhonda will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 46 years, Tom; children, Jill Jelsma-Monte (Paul Marckwardt), Kristin (Ben) Frederick; grandchildren, Dominic and Greyson Monte; siblings, Drew (Cindy) Holwerda, Scott Holwerda; siblings-in-law: Gordon (Nancy) Jelsma, Jr, Rev. Dan (Rev. Renee) Jelsma, special niece, Lindsey Ackerson; as well as several other nieces, nephews, and her Gun Lake Family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Hudsonville Reformed Church, 3950 Highland Dr., Hudsonville, with Pastor Ron Boersema and Pastor Scott VanOostendorp officiating. Burial will take place at Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday, September 10 from 4-7 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition or Faith Hospice.