Rhonda Wilson Wight

Rhonda Wilson Wight, 53, of Odessa passed away Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Hospice House. She was born November 2, 1959, in Odessa to Bernie Clyde and Pat (Brown) Wilson. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1978. She married Bill Wight February 2, 1980, in Odessa. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.

Rhonda was a cowgirl at heart. She loved riding horses and working cattle as well as cooking for the crew at cow works. She “earned her spurs” on the YT Ranch and was a top hand in every way.

Rhonda’s greatest gift was her ability to relate to children. She could almost instantly strike up a conversation with any child. At parties and social gatherings, she would usually wind up playing with the kids instead of visiting with the adults. She loved children and they loved her. She served as Children’s Director in her church, first at Kermit and later in Odessa.

When she became a mother, she had to cut back on ranch work in order to raise her two children. She loved being a mom more than anything and considered it her greatest calling.

She had an accident while riding a horse, which led to pain and complications. As a result, she was unable to do many of the things she loved, including horseback riding and serving as Children’s Director. She didn’t stop being a full time mother.

When her children were students at St. John’s Episcopal School, she volunteered as library reader for the pre-school, was active in Friends of St. John’s and was on the School Board. When her children went to Jr. High and High School, she was a VIP volunteer and was active in Band and Choir Booster organizations. She was always there to support her kids.

Rhonda was plagued with constant and unrelenting pain, but she refused to let it control her life. When asked how she was doing, she replied, “doing,” and only talked about her pain with her doctor. She never felt sorry for herself for the things she couldn’t do, choosing instead to give herself completely to those things she was able to do.

When she became a grandmother, she discovered a new level of joy. Having less work to do helped to lessen her pain, leaving her free to devote herself completely to the needs, desires and whims of her grandchildren. “Gran” never said “no.”

The family would like to express their gratitude to Home Hospice for their care over the past weeks. We are also eternally indebted to Rhonda’s “angels,” Onita Ervin and Peggy Mackey, for their love and care. The Lord blessed Rhonda with many more good days than bad and we appreciate all of those who helped make that possible.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ruby McGee. She is survived by her husband Bill Wight of Odessa, son Jason Wight and wife Amanda of Odessa, daughter Jessica Washington and husband Tyler of Crane, sisters Clydene Baca of Carrizozo, NM, Roxie Cain of Crosbyton, TX, and Lenette Fowler of Des Moines, IA, and three grandchildren Bailey and Colton Wight and Braydon Washington.

Memorial contributions may be made to Birthright of Odessa, P.O. Box 12603, Odessa, TX 79768.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 24, 2013, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2013, at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Pierce and Rev. Jeff Sedberry officiating. Interment will follow at Ector County Cemetery/Odessa Section. Pallbearers will be George Hennig, Michael Moore, Brandon Barrow, Calvin Smith, Joe Hurt, Bob Steakley, Elden Reedy, Don Short, Chuck Ellison and Doug Hollowell.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.