Rhonda Struve Dobbins

Rhonda Lea (Struve) Dobbins, daughter of Gordon and Elaine (Steinbeck) Struve, was born September 20, 1955 in the Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer, Iowa.

Rhonda spent her childhood in Rossie being educated in Greenville, Rossie and Royal.

Rhonda and Danny Joseph Dobbins were wed February 15, 1976. With Danny being in the Navy, they were stationed in Memphis, TN., Jacksonville, FL., and Rota, Spain. Coming back from Spain, they moved to Chesapeake, VA., and then California, MD., finally retiring to Littleton, NC.

Rhonda and Danny enjoyed many years of traveling while Danny was in the Navy. Rhonda received her nursing degree from Florida Community College and spent many years helping to care for others in numerous care facilities. She and Danny were both avid dog lovers, enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. Rhonda was very active in numerous volunteer roles and enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.

Rhonda passed away at the Halifax Regional Hospital on May 24, 2014 at the age of 58. After her valiant fight with stage 4 kidney cancer in April 2013, Rhonda's battle resumed in October 2013 with cancer that spread to the right lung. She underwent surgery to remove what was suspected to be secondary metastatic cancer that had spread from her kidney. After what was considered to be a successful surgery, follow up appointments in December of that year proved otherwise. It was determined that the cancer had also metastasized to other parts of her body to include her bones and her brain. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through 5 more months of grueling radiation and chemotherapy. Throughout her own struggle with Cancer, she continued to volunteer as long as she could. She reached out to others in her community that were less fortunate, whether they were battling old age or illness themselves. Rhonda was preceded in death by her father, Gordon; 1 brother, Monte; and 1 sister, Karen Kay.

Continuing to cherish her memory are her husband; Danny of Littleton, North Carolina, children; Jacob Dobbins and his wife Raycha and their children Luis, Ethan, Isaac, Joel and Sophia of Hampton, Virginia ; Jessica Allen and her husband Neil and their children Skylar and Landon of Chesapeake, Virginia; mother Elaine Struve of Rossie, Iowa; brother Roger Struve of Rossie, Iowa; twin sister Sondra Dolphin of Hartley, Iowa; and many friends and relatives.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service in Roanoke Rapids.

A memorial service celebrating Rhondas life will be held Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Littleton United Methodist Church.