Rhonda Rae Evans Obituary, Death – Iowa Nurse and Beloved Community Member Remembered
Rhonda Rae Evans, 59, of Tiffin, formerly of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Bird House Hospice in Iowa City. She leaves behind a legacy shaped by nursing, faith, family, friendship, humor, and a lifelong commitment to caring for others.
Rhonda grew up on her family’s longtime farm, a property that was recognized as an Iowa Century Farm in 2015. Her childhood was filled with farm life, pets, a pony, family adventures, and involvement in Clinton County 4-H, where she showed Samoyed dogs. Those early experiences helped shape the values of hard work, community, faith, and responsibility that remained central throughout her life.
Education and Early Years
Rhonda graduated from DeWitt High School in 1986 before attending the University of Iowa, where she pursued nursing. During her college years, she became closely involved with the Newman Center and participated in Antioch and Journey weekend retreats.
She also worked at Paul Revere’s, delivering pizzas throughout Iowa City and Coralville, played recreational softball, and enjoyed spending time with her cousins. Her college years also included difficult challenges, including a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and supporting her friend Kari McDonnell during Kari’s battle with cancer.
Despite those challenges, Rhonda continued to build friendships and experiences that remained important throughout her life.
A Nursing Career Built Around Compassion
After graduating from the University of Iowa Nursing School in 1991 and passing her nursing boards, Rhonda began a traveling nursing career in 1992.
Her work took her to communities across the country, including Tucson, New Orleans, Vermont, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and Stanford. Throughout her career, she developed a particular dedication to caring for bone marrow transplant patients.
Rhonda became known for bringing humor and warmth into difficult medical situations. Her ability to make patients laugh and feel cared for was an important part of the support she provided to people facing some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
In 1999, she accepted a managerial position in Bone Marrow Transplant and returned permanently to Iowa, eventually settling in the Coralville and Tiffin areas.
Recognized Among Iowa’s Great Nurses
At the University of Iowa Bone Marrow Transplant unit, Rhonda combined professional expertise with a distinctive sense of humor and compassion.
She established a Humor Committee and created what was known as the “white cell dance,” a gentle activity involving patients’ toes that was intended to encourage circulation while also bringing moments of lightness to difficult days.
Her commitment to safe and compassionate patient care, mentorship, and the nursing profession earned statewide recognition. In 2018, Rhonda was named one of the 100 Great Nurses of Iowa.
Her dedication did not stop with her professional responsibilities. She was known for supporting friends and others in need, including bringing food and coffee to an isolated friend receiving cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Life Centered on Family and Friendship
Rhonda was remembered as funny, energetic, vibrant, and genuine. She had a talent for bringing people together and making sure those around her felt included.
Her relationship with her husband, Mike Evans, began in 2002 when the two went on their first date at Chili’s. They married on October 2, 2004, at St. Anne’s Church in Welton, Iowa.
She is survived by Mike; her stepchildren, Tasha Scott and David Evans; her brother, Thomas Roeder of Welton; extended family members; and many cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry “LR” and Carol Ann Roeder; her brother, Ted Roeder; her grandparents, Leo and Catherine Hand and Ollie and Peggy Roeder; as well as Aletha Roeder, David Clark, and Mary Jo and Bill Schulte.
Celebration of Life and Funeral Arrangements
A celebration of Rhonda’s life will include visitation from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Schultz Funeral Home in DeWitt. Those attending are encouraged to wear Hawkeye attire in her memory.
A Memorial Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 5, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt, with Fr. Edward Fitzpatrick officiating. Interment will take place in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Courageous, Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County, or another charity chosen by those wishing to honor Rhonda.
Cremation is being provided by the Schultz Funeral Home family at its crematory in DeWitt.
Rhonda’s life was defined by the people she cared for, the friendships she nurtured, and the compassion she brought into difficult moments. Her years as a nurse touched countless patients, while her humor, faith, and devotion to family created memories that will remain with those who knew her.
Her legacy will continue through the patients she cared for, the nurses and colleagues she mentored, the family she loved, and the many friends whose lives were brightened by her presence.