A special person has passed

[WestMont]

There's no great way to start any post like this so here goes a rambling on.

One of our own (mod03rmk800 - Rod) has been thru the toughest of times. Rod lost his wife to cancer on 1/13/12.

Rhonna Cowan Sweeney 2/24/67 - 1/13/12.

Rhonna fought pancreatic cancer head on for nearly 2 years. Rhonna was truly one of the greatest persons I've ever known. She was special to so many as her list of friends was long. She was a person that made you want to be a better person by just being herself. Humble, loyal, always put others before herself, but yet stayed strong and true to herself and her family.

One of Rhonna's best friends was her daughter Sami Jo whom she loved dearly along with her husband Rod. Rod is amazing as he always went over and beyond doing and caring for Rhonna. When times got tougher so did he. My hats off to You Rod. Rhonna also had a dear friend (Kimmi) that she met way back in second or third grade. They were best buds, doing everything together including working together for the past 27 years.

As for here on the forum Rhonna was also special to rcditchpickle (Ross) and myself as she was our sister. Speaking for Ross, another brother, myself, and our families Rhonna truly was to us as she was to many and that is one of the best people you could ever meet. We're grateful and proud she was our sister.

Although dearly missed she is no longer in pain. She's now an angel looking over us all.

As for you Rod if there is ever anything I can do for you please just let me know.

Miss ya tons sis and love you lots. Until we meet again take care. John

 

[ragincajun]

I am so sorry to hear about your sister, John! Ill be sure to keep you and your family in my prayers!

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

she sounds like a wonderful person...so sorry for your loss..heart and prayers for yours....

 

[518skidgine]

Sorry for your familys loss. I know she had great support from you guys.

 

[WestMont]

Thanks for all the support and kind words guys.

I would like to extend a huge thanks to all of the snowester's that supported Rhonna a little over a year ago during the Spaghetti Feed Benefit dinner that was put together for her. Quite a few from our snowest community donated and or bought tickets for a chance to win door prizes with proceeds going to her. Again thanks to all that participated in the event.

 

[sledfvr]

Sorry to hear Westmont. I've only met you a couple times and I can tell that she was lucky to have you as a brother. Hope to ride with you again soon.

 

[WestMont]

We'll be riding again soon sledfvr. Hope to see you on the hill before long.

 

[Scott]

John, my deepest condolences for all of you.
I hope you guys can heal soon.

Did you get my PM on Sunday?

 

[WestMont]

Thanks Scott. I did get your pm but wasn't able to put together any words so opted out of replying at the time. Didn't mean to ignore ya though. We've been kind of reclusive this past week but hoping in time we'll be back as normal as we can be. We've as a family have been thru some tough times in recent years. One can only hope that rough waters make for good sailors.

 

[Scott]

You don't have to reply before you are ready. NO WORRIES.

I just want to make sure that it went through, John!!!! I'm glad things are getting a little better and you are getting back on here now. At least I HOPE it's getting better.

If ya like, I can stop by and warm your sled up for ya.

 

[hilinerider]

condolences and prayers

 

[800poodragon]

Very sorry for your loss...I am glad we had a chance to help in some way and hope it made some difference.

 

[Scott]

BTW, we went and ate at Ruby's on Saturday...it felt a little emptier in there.

 

[WestMont]

800poodragon, I can assure you that every little bit made a huge difference. She tried to work as long as she could all the way up to just a couple months ago and the when she quite working she applied for ss and was denied. She was told there was a waiting period and she was not able to start drawing off ss until sometime in March I believe. As we all know March is not here yet so she never drew a check from them. Thankfully guy's like yourself, XXL, and many others pitched in made a huge difference. Although she always felt like she had to take care of herself she was truly thankful for all the help from others. You guy's made a difference and we are all grateful for it. Thanks so much.

Scott, Ruby's (on the south side by Brooks St) may never be the same to some but if anyone ever makes it in there during the week days day shift please be sure to say hi to Kim (Rhonna's best friend) and Gene (owner). Good food and great people.

 

[Scott]

I've known Gene for about 20 years now. Ruby's was our favorite place too eat while Melissa and I were dating...and Gene was great was too us and his wait staff is always friendly.

East at Ruby's!!!

 

[SLDHVN]

Sorry for your families loss John.
Hope all is well and she is in a better place watching over you guys.

Andrew