Rhonda M. Anderson

To view a recording of Rhonda's funeral service, Click the following link https://youtu.be/6zuM_NKHB9k

Rhonda May Anderson, born on August 22nd, 1948, in Grand Forks, ND, peacefully passed away on February 17th, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Her enduring spirit of resilience, independence, and positivity touched the lives of many. She worked various jobs in Grand Forks and never missed a chance to say, “I worked there.” She loved assisting in distributing the Listen Calendar for the past 20 years. She also was a Team Leader for SAS, ND for the past 10 years.

Rhonda found joy in music, entertainment, and the company of cherished friends. She actively participated in the Listen choir, played the harmonica and drums, even playing her harmonica for President Clinton. She delighted in MeTV, westerns, and horseback riding. Car rides with friends and Sunday services followed by a hearty breakfast brought her immense happiness. Her infectious smile and lighthearted stories, humor and wit brought joy to all who knew her.

A staunch advocate for justice, Rhonda dedicated herself to advocating for people with disabilities. Her involvement with Partners in Policymaking, presentations at the Chicago Disability Pride events, and countless conference speeches made a significant impact. She won The Arc Upper Valley Self-Advocate of the year in 2022. Alongside her dear friend and partner in crime, Helen Bechold, she championed positive change for many across North Dakota and the Midwest.

She was also part of Listen/Sas’s Performing for Change. She always managed a bar room scene and played her harmonica proudly. This past year she vacationed in South Dakota with her friends from Listen Residential, visited various zoo’s, friends’ lake cabins, and out to eat, loving her favorite restaurant, Mexican Village. Despite battling cancer, she chose to live each day to the fullest. She set her heart on spending the holidays with those she loved, and was gracious and so grateful for the time, food, and friendship. With Rhonda there was never a complaint, and always a thank you.

Rhonda's legacy of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering spirit will forever endure in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.

Rhonda is survived by her brothers Wally Anderson, Rayo, Rorey Schulz, sister Risa, sister-in-law Cindy Kile, dear friends Carla Tice and family, Kay and Chad Bergland, Kylie Oversen, Lana Hammer, and all her Listen, DHI, SAS, ACT, and Freedom Church families.

She is preceded in death by her parents Wally Anderson and May Schulz, stepfather Raymond Schulz, sister Rena Abrahamson, roommate Helen Bechold, friend John Birkeland, and several nephews.

Rhonda would be extending her heartfelt gratitude to the Listen Center, Red River Valley Hospice, and SAS ND for their unwavering love and support. A special thank-you to Barb Norby and her family, Development Homes, Inc, The Helen Bechold fund, Listen, Inc, Julie Taylor, for making Rhonda's burial wishes come true. Thank you to Hugo's Floral, Jennifer Contreras, and Hailey McLaughlin for the flower arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Self-Advocacy Solutions, Helen Bechold Scholarship fund.