Surrounded by loved ones, Rhonda Renae Fox Westenskow left her earthly home on June 4, 2021 and joined her heavenly family.
Families are eternal. Rhonda Renae Fox Westenskow knows and lives this better than anyone. She was born into a loving family on February 6th, 1953. Her young mother passed away when Rhonda was only two years old and subsequently, her definition of family expanded quickly to include not only her dad and sister, but grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as friends, neighbors, schoolmates, and church leaders.
Raised in homes that her father built in the Salt Lake Valley, Rhonda’s family circle soon included friends in Murray, and schoolmates at Hillcrest High School, and Brighton High School. More family came in the form of classmates and colleagues as she attended beauty school and worked as a hairdresser and the executive secretary to a recruiter.
Her family grew again when she met the love of her life, Jerry, and with three children her family became complete when they were sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple on August 15th, 1987. She served her ward family as a Young Women’s leader, worked in the Primary, was the Relief Society President and acted as unofficial neighborhood mother to so many of her children’s friends as they matured.
A move to Colorado was another opportunity to make new friends who would become family. One of her favorite callings was that of an early morning Seminary Teacher to sleepy high school students who learned the joy of the gospel through her testimony.
Some of her dearest friends were made recently when her husband reunited with military veterans from his time in Vietnam. During reunions, conferences, and seminars Rhonda would rally together the spouses of Jerry’s military comrades for adventures in town. The relationships she created with these women became another welcome family for her later in life.
Rhonda and Jerry enjoyed time together serving an inner-city mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They also made memories traveling across the country, often visiting family and friends, and sailing the world on cruises to Tahiti, Alaska, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea.
Rhonda is survived by her husband Jerry Westenskow; her children, Lincoln Stromness (Sheri), Jackson Westenskow (Heather), Maranda Anderson (Ryan); sister, Julie Koplin (Kerris); and her grandchildren, Samantha, Courtney, Alyssa Stromness; Jack, Scarlet, and Linus Westenskow; and Lucy, Axel, and Rex Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents Arlen Clifford Fox and Joan Renae Johnson and her brother Layne Fox.
The family wishes to express gratitude to Intermountain Homecare and Hospice, Rhonda’s ward family, and the countless other friends and family for their kindness and compassion during this time.
A viewing will be held Friday, June 11 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy UT 84092 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Services will be held Saturday June 12 at the Alta View Stake Center, 1850 E 8600 S, Sandy, UT 84070 with a viewing at 10:00 AM and a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment and graveside services will be afterward at Sandy City Cemetery, 700 E 9000 S, Sandy, UT 84093. Services will also be available to view via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89353422633. A Zoom account is required to access the service.
Jerry, I was surprised and saddened reading about Rhonda's passing.
I will always remember that she seemed to be everywhere and always with that wonderful smile.
My best wishes to you as you go through a difficult period.
Bob
Our hearts are broken hearing of beautiful Rhonda passing. What peace it brings knowing she is ok. May you feel the peace at this time. We love your family. How grateful I am to have known this amazing lady. Hugs to you all.
My Sweet Sister, never will I understand, Why? You were so Brave and Determined to beat this horrible disease. You gave it your all. We realized it was bigger than US, so we must grieve and accept Our Loss! May peace embrace us as we grieve and accept what is! I Love You Forever and Always! Julie
Jerry, so sorry to hear of Rhonda's passing. I know the sorrow that is experienced in the loss of a spouse. In time my friend and brother the pain will not be as intense and it is today, I wish that I could tell you it goes away, but as with all true love, her memory will always be with you. Prayers for you and your family, if you need to talk to someone , I hope you will call me.
John Ray
Miranda, I am sorry to hear about your mother. My sincere wishes to go to you and your family.
Jerry,
Cindy and I were saddened to hear of Ronda's passing. We only met her maybe 8 years ago but she was always a ray of sunshine with nice things to say. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.
Stay strong and stay well my friend.
Jeff and Cindy Goshert
We are so sorry for your loss. Rhonda lit up the room wherever she went. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Westenskow Family: You do not know me but Rhonda grew up four doors down from my home on Hillcrest Drive in Murray, Utah - homes which no longer exist given the new Hillcrest Junior High School. That fact makes Rhonda one of my oldest friends. Perhaps more importantly for you is the person she was and the person she became. She forged a life of generosity to others with less, and genuine faith in those who needed additional strength. Many years ago, when I had not seen her for an ion, she came up to me and hugged me and introduced me to Jerry, and described her family with real pride and happiness. Today I remember that little girl sitting on the wall which separated her front lawn from the Post Office (empty field back then.) She will be dearly missed by so many! Appreciate her in all that you do. If there is anyone who will be watching you, it will be Rhonda.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Wife, Mom, Grandma is lots of fun! I remember home teachers showing up with giant greeting cards made from candy bars and I always suspected it was her idea. She is so talented! My best hair day of my life was my senior prom when she styled my hair.
Her leaving makes a hole in the world. I know she loved you. We love and miss her. I hope you find some comfort in knowing how far her good influence was felt.
Jerry and family,
Lillian and I find words are inadequate to express our sorrow at Rhonda's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your family at this time. We will miss her. Rhonda was a lightning rod for our reunion - Joyful and helpful - organizing raids on the vendors - "shopping" sprees with the wives, being there for there our members and their wives. We are glad we got to know and love her.
Howard & Lillian
I have so many great memories of Rhonda it's hard to narrow it down but I just have to say how very thoughtful she was towards others real needs. For instance, when Rhonda and I got back together after at least a decade of not staying in touch we were both living in Colorado. She lived across town from me and would come and visit me and my infant son, TJ, which I had at the late age of 40!! Rhonda knew just what I needed -- a NAP! She would drive us around Englewood while the baby and I slept peacefully without a care in the world We knew Rhonda would take good care of us!!
I will miss her soooo much,
Janet
Jerry. We want to let you know we are thinking of you. Miss seeing you at church since we moved. God bless you and comfort you. Bob and Eloise Cardon
My favorite childhood memories have Rhonda in them. I pray that God will bless you all will comfort at this time.
Rhonda will be truly missed by our family. She touched our lives through service, kindness and light. May Heavenly Father bless her family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Beautiful service.
Jerry I’m sorry for you and your family loss. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. So many will miss her dearly.
Jerry and family, we just learned of Rhonda’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.