Rhonda Kaye Murray

Age 58, of Orleans, MI, passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2024. Her generosity and spirit were unmatched. She was known to many as a kind and joyful soul with a heart of gold, leaving a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Born on November 3, 1965, in Albany, Georgia, Rhonda was a curious and adventurous child, always trying to keep up with her brother Mark, and her sisters, Gee and Michelle. She spent many happy days exploring the lakes and forests of Oscoda, Michigan, before moving to Lansing, where she grew up on Leon and Lafayette Avenues. Rhonda loved her family fiercely and was the one who made every gathering more fun and memorable. She graduated from Eastern High School and took classes at Lansing Community College. After many years of living in Lansing, she moved to her family’s lake house on Long Lake in Orleans, MI.

Rhonda had a deep love for music and old movies, enjoying evenings on the boat with family and friends on Long Lake. Her musical tastes ranged from the classics like Judy Garland to modern icons like Beyoncé. She was deeply sentimental, revisiting childhood homes and places she treasured. Her passion for history, family stories, and fascination with the Royal Family reflected her desire to continue to learn about the past and the present. Whether she was enjoying a view of the lake from the porch with friends, curled up with a good movie with her fur babies, Harlow and Grayson, or cooking a favorite family recipe for someone she loved, her genuine love for life and the people around her shone through in all she did.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald Eugene Murray and Sandra Kaye Murray, sister Michelle Thompson, and beloved brother-in-law Ronald Palk. She is survived by her brother, Mark Murray (Jody), sister Gee Palk, nieces Amanda Lick (David Brunger), Mistie Lardie, Laurel Palk (Ryan Perez), and nephews Devon Palk (Candice), Josh Murray (Nicca), Chad Murray (Caryn) along with numerous grand nieces, nephews, dear friends, and her beloved pets Harlow and Grayson (who are being cared for by family).

Professionally, Rhonda worked as a Phlebotomist at Corewell Health, where she was known not only for her strong work ethic but for her compassion and dedication. Her ability to brighten even the most routine moments made her beloved by colleagues and patients alike. Rhonda took pride in helping Corewell Health’s Belding satellite office achieve its first-ever 100% patient satisfaction rating—an accomplishment that reflected her dedication to exceptional care.

Family and friends were always at the heart of Rhonda’s world. She was a beloved aunt, sister, a devoted daughter, and a cherished friend. Her family were the anchors of her life, and she treated her closest friends as if they were family. Her home was always a place of warmth, her table welcoming, and her advice sincere. If you knew Rhonda, you were loved by her. With a special gift for making friends out of strangers, her laughter, jokes, and lighthearted demeanor filled every room, spreading joy wherever she went. Her presence was a source of comfort, encouragement, wisdom, and sometimes, mischievous humor.

Rhonda’s gentle spirit, generosity, and unwavering loyalty will be celebrated and remembered. Her life was a testament to the power of human connection, the joy of shared moments, and the beauty of a heart that never closed itself off to others. She would want each of us to take the time to call our loved ones, connect, express our love, and plan the next gathering. Let her life serve as a reminder to cherish the people we care about—today and always.

A visitation to celebrate Rhonda’s life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 12:30 p.m., at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI, concluding with a burial service at Orleans Cemetery, Orleans, MI, at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to her veterinarian, which will be placed in an angel fund to help those who need assistance in paying for their vet care. This was an organization that was very close to her heart. Please send it to Prairie Creek Vet Services, 6899 Belding Rd., Belding, MI 48809. Please include the Rhonda Murray angel fund in the note.

Affectionately known as Rhoda, Rhodeege, Rhondie, and Rhodan, Rhonda Kaye Murray will be remembered as a woman of rare and remarkable warmth—a devoted aunt, friend, sister, and daughter whose kindness knew no bounds. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived.

May she rest in peace, her memory a comfort to all who knew her.