Rhonda L. Helvey

September 18, 2024 at 5:46 p.m.


Rhonda L. Helvey, of rural Akron, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, at the age of 57. Rhonda was a loving wife, full-time homemaker and strong woman of faith who dedicated her life to family, teaching and her church community.
Born on Nov. 18, 1966, in Columbia City, Rhonda was the daughter of the late Carroll Wilkinson and Janet Anderson Wilkinson. She is survived by her brothers: Gregg Wilkinson, Neil Wilkinson (with wife Cinthia and their sons Josh and Caleb), Steven Wilkinson (with his son Jacob), and Brad Wilkinson (with wife Alicia and their children Reagan, Landon, Ian, Brayden and Hallie).
A graduate of Whitko High School, class of 1985, Rhonda continued her education at Grace College in Winona Lake, getting a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Shortly after, she began her career as a schoolteacher in Weslaco, Texas. Rhonda also spent a brief time working in the Kosciusko County health inspector's office.
On May 22, 1999, Rhonda and Todd were married at Faith Baptist Church of North Manchester. For the past 17 years, Rhonda was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Mentone, where she regularly played the piano, taught children’s classes, participated in the AWANA program and helped with Child Evangelism Fellowship.
Rhonda is survived by her beloved husband, Todd Helvey, with whom she shared 25 years of marriage. Together, they were blessed with three sons: Matthew Helvey (and his wife Gabrielle), Jonathan Helvey and Seth Helvey. Also surviving are Rhonda’s parents-in-law, Dennis Helvey and Connie Hoffman Helvey. Her family was the center of her life, and she devoted herself to nurturing and supporting them with love and care.
Rhonda’s life was a testament to her devotion to the Lord, strong work ethic, and dedication to serving others. Her memory will live on as a shining testimony to the Lord.
The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at the Mentone First Baptist Church, 206 S. Oak St., Mentone, with Pastor Tim Farley and Pastor Mike Wilhite officiating.
The interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron.
Visitation hours will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 in the Mentone First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rhonda’s memory to First Baptist Church of Mentone, where she faithfully served for many years.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.

Rhonda L. Helvey, of rural Akron, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, at the age of 57. Rhonda was a loving wife, full-time homemaker and strong woman of faith who dedicated her life to family, teaching and her church community.
Born on Nov. 18, 1966, in Columbia City, Rhonda was the daughter of the late Carroll Wilkinson and Janet Anderson Wilkinson. She is survived by her brothers: Gregg Wilkinson, Neil Wilkinson (with wife Cinthia and their sons Josh and Caleb), Steven Wilkinson (with his son Jacob), and Brad Wilkinson (with wife Alicia and their children Reagan, Landon, Ian, Brayden and Hallie).
A graduate of Whitko High School, class of 1985, Rhonda continued her education at Grace College in Winona Lake, getting a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Shortly after, she began her career as a schoolteacher in Weslaco, Texas. Rhonda also spent a brief time working in the Kosciusko County health inspector's office.
On May 22, 1999, Rhonda and Todd were married at Faith Baptist Church of North Manchester. For the past 17 years, Rhonda was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Mentone, where she regularly played the piano, taught children’s classes, participated in the AWANA program and helped with Child Evangelism Fellowship.
Rhonda is survived by her beloved husband, Todd Helvey, with whom she shared 25 years of marriage. Together, they were blessed with three sons: Matthew Helvey (and his wife Gabrielle), Jonathan Helvey and Seth Helvey. Also surviving are Rhonda’s parents-in-law, Dennis Helvey and Connie Hoffman Helvey. Her family was the center of her life, and she devoted herself to nurturing and supporting them with love and care.
Rhonda’s life was a testament to her devotion to the Lord, strong work ethic, and dedication to serving others. Her memory will live on as a shining testimony to the Lord.
The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at the Mentone First Baptist Church, 206 S. Oak St., Mentone, with Pastor Tim Farley and Pastor Mike Wilhite officiating.
The interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron.
Visitation hours will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 in the Mentone First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rhonda’s memory to First Baptist Church of Mentone, where she faithfully served for many years.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Adult Protective Service
Editor, Times-Union: The news that Indiana’s Adult Protective Service (APS) Program that investigates cases of endangered adults has been awarded to a for-profit company has left current APS professionals and providers of services for those adults with questions.

Scams
Editor, Times-Union: The North Webster Police Department has been made aware of scam calls where the callers are using the North Webster Police Department non-emergency phone number, (phone number spoofing).

Former Milford Town Marshal Given Medal At Council Meeting
MILFORD - Former Milford Town Marshal Derek Kreider was given a Distinguished Medal of Honor by his replacement — current Town Marshal Thomas Waikel Jr. Waikel said he was recognizing Kreider for two major milestones — his 30-year career in law enforcement and his retirement, which will take effect May 20.

Mentone Egg City 5K/1 Mile Walk/1 Mile Family Fitness Walk Is June 7
MENTONE - Attention, runners and walkers! The annual Mentone Egg City 5K run, 1-mile walk and 1-mile family fitness walk is coming up on June 7 during the Mentone Egg Festival.

Warsaw Community Schools Board Of Trustees Earns Statewide Governance Award
Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) Board of Trustees has been recognized with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA).