Camp Courageous was shocked and saddened by the passing of Rhonda (Roeder) Evans, 59, of Tiffin, formerly of DeWitt, Iowa. It seems like just months ago that Rhonda was putting together unique University of Iowa autographed items for the Camp Courageous Pineapple Gala.

From the outside looking in, one knew that a child born from the combination of Larry “LR” Roeder and Carol Ann was going to have an exceptional personality. No challenge in the world was going to be too much. Rhonda inherited her parents’ incredible work ethic, but she also inherited their ability to make life fun.

Her dad, LR, was incredibly hardworking, yet he brought humor and creativity to everything he did. His talents as a master welder and his imagination resulted in creations like the deer catchers on the front of his Toyota mini-truck. Rhonda carried that same sense of humor and creativity throughout her life.

More importantly, she learned from her dad by his example the importance of giving back. LR had an incredible passion for Camp Courageous and made many trips to Camp to volunteer his labor, often with the Lions. He never missed a breakfast or a Leo Greco dance—he loved to dance. That dedication became part of Rhonda’s own legacy. It was important to her to carry on the tremendous love and commitment her parents had for Camp Courageous.

Rhonda grew up on a 150-year-old family farm, proudly recognized as an Iowa Century Farm in 2015. Farm life shaped her early years, which were filled with adventure, mischief, animals, hard work, and a strong sense of community. From an early age, Rhonda understood the importance of pulling her weight, helping others, and having faith. Her classmates remembered her as someone who set the bar high academically and personally.

Rhonda graduated from DeWitt High School in 1986 and enrolled at the University of Iowa to pursue a nursing degree. Her college years brought both tremendous joy and adversity, including a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.

After graduating from the University of Iowa College of Nursing in 1991 and passing her boards, Rhonda began her career as a traveling nurse in 1992. Her journey took her to Tucson, New Orleans, Vermont, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and Stanford. She could not have known at the time how profoundly those experiences would shape her life—and the lives of the countless patients she would touch.

Rhonda became an extraordinary nurse, dedicating her career to bone marrow transplant patients. She possessed a rare gift for bringing humor and light into the darkest moments, making people laugh when they needed it most.

In 1999, Rhonda accepted a managerial position in Bone Marrow Transplant, fulfilling a promise she had made to her grandmother, Grandma Roeder, to return to Iowa. She eventually settled in the Coralville area and later Tiffin.

At the University of Iowa Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Rhonda established a Humor Committee and even invented a “white cell dance,” which involved gently squeezing patients’ toes to encourage circulation. These may have seemed like small gestures, but to patients facing some of the most frightening days of their lives, they brought comfort, laughter, and hope.

Rhonda’s commitment to her patients and her deep compassion for others were nothing short of exceptional. She could take the most challenging situation and interject just the right touch of humor to lighten the moment. Her ability to care deeply while bringing joy to others was one of her greatest gifts.

In recognition of her safe and compassionate care, mentorship, and extensive contributions to the nursing profession, Rhonda was named one of the 100 Great Nurses of Iowa in 2018.

Rhonda will be remembered as funny, joyful, vibrant, and unapologetically herself. She was the ultimate uniter—the glue that held people together and made sure no one was left behind. She loved her family and friends fiercely and lived with an energy that made everyone around her feel more alive.

Through her faith, family, laughter, and tireless dedication to her patients, Rhonda planted much wheat that will continue to grow for generations. She raised the bar for what it means to be a good human being and a faithful servant.

Camp Courageous extends its deepest sympathy to Rhonda’s husband, Mike, whose 22nd wedding anniversary would have been October 2, as well as to her family and many friends.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Larry “LR” and Carol Ann Roeder, and her brother, Ted Roeder.

Like her mom and dad, Rhonda believed in giving back. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Courageous at www.campcourageous.org/donate.

We will especially miss the notes that always ended with:

Rhonda R. Evans, MSN, RN, OCN, BMTCN
Quality and Assistant Program Director
Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Iowa Health Care

C333GH, 200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319.384.9105
Fax: 319.353.8999
Rhonda-evans@uiowa.edu

Her signature was more than a closing. It was a reminder of the remarkable work she did, the people she cared for, and the difference she made every day.

Camp Courageous will miss Rhonda’s laughter, her energy, her compassion, her humor—and the unmistakable way she made sure everyone knew they mattered.

-Charlie Becker & those who contributed to Rhonda’s beautiful obituary…