Rhonda W. Barfuss
August 11, 1950 – September 26, 2024

Rhonda W. Barfuss passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024 at Huntsman Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was surrounded by her family as she returned to her Heavenly Father.

She was born August 11, 1950 in Preston, Idaho to Joseph and Zilla Winger. She was the third child and their only daughter. She was adored by her two older brothers Larry and Doyle. She later became the big sister to her younger brother Ed. They grew up on the farm in Winder, Idaho.

She was extremely close to her family and had a special bond and close friendship with her little brother Ed. She loved and adored her nieces and nephews as well.

Rhonda attended Preston High School. Despite being what she considered naturally shy in her younger years, she actively took part in choir, band, theater and drill team.

While attending high school she met Sheldon Barfuss and the two of them married March 1, 1968 in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. They moved to Pocatello Idaho after Sheldon completed his Schooling, during that time they welcomed Bradand 2 ½ years later Shelly came along. In 1977 they purchased Marsh Valley Hardware and Electric and moved to Downey, Idaho. There they added Cody and Kade to the family.

Sheldon and Rhonda married young so she grew up with all of Sheldon’s siblings and his parents, Delmer and Clea, She considered them all to be her family. She loved them and wasloved dearly by each of Sheldon’s siblings, their spouses and their families.

Rhonda was musically inclined. She loved to play the piano and had a beautiful voice. She was involved with music as much as possible. She sang with the “Sweet Adelines” choir while living in Pocatello and was actively involved with the Madrigal Choir up until the time of her illness.

Rhonda worked for many years at Marsh Valley Hardware and Electric with Sheldon and later at Downey Food Center. She always greeted the costumers with her beautiful smile and warm disposition. She later found what was discovered to be her true calling in life when she started working as a teacher’s aid at Marsh Valley High School. Rhonda absolutely fell in love with the job and her students. She was able to make a connection with nearly every student she encountered. Her warmth, commitment and genuine love and kindness made an impact on so many student’s lives. “Mrs. Barfuss” put her heart and soul in to making a difference for all students and cherished having the opportunity to do so. Even after being retired for many years, she still had past students come up to greet and give her ahug. Everyone who interacted with her knew that she was genuine and a true friend to all.

Rhonda loved to travel with her husband Sheldon. The two of them regularly took many adventures together throughout the United States and to several other countries as well. They also worked on the Bannock County Farm Bureau Board together for many years. Through this she met and made many lifelong friends that she loved dearly.

Christmas was her favorite holiday. Each year she went all out in decorating her home, and later the cabin for the family to come and celebrate. One of her greatest accomplishments was when she and Sheldon purchased the family cabin for their children and families to come and be together. Many great memories were made there and will continue to be made in her honor.

Rhonda had a deep love for each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with each one of them.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a pivotal part of Rhonda’s life. She had a fervent testimony of the gospel and was a faithful daughter of God. She had many callings in the church throughout her life but her favorite ones always involved the youth. She loved serving in many different capacities in the Young Women’s program over the years.

Rhonda fought hard and bravely in her battle with cancer. She was blessed with receiving a bone marrow transplant from herbeloved little brother Ed, which resulted in giving us an additional two years with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Zilla, brothers Larry and Doyle Winger, Father-in law Delmer Barfuss, mother-in-law Clea and brother- in- law Brent Barfuss.

She is survived by her husband Sheldon Barfuss, children Brad (Monica) Barfuss, Shelly (Mike) Veile, Cody (Deonne) Barfuss, Kade (Yoise) Barfuss, Brother Ed (Marie) Winger, as well as 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren

Funeral service will be held in Downey, Idaho on Friday, October 4, 2024, 12:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints church (310 E Center). You may also meet with the family at the church Thursday from 6-8pm and Friday morning 10-11:30am.