I’m so sorry……I loved her and I am still stunned.  She was a sweet friend that was a blessing to me. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

I’m so sad to hear this news. I have so many wonderful memories of her from when I was younger. The many Acteens trips we took together to the countless church activities. She always provided so much love and support during any tough time. Kari and Kimberly, I’m thinking and praying for you and your family. I hope you find comfort in the many lives she touched.

So, so sorry to hear of your loss. She was such a sweet lady. I can’t imagine the sadness you have. I knew your mom beginning about 8 months before the death of sweet Chip. I know there was a sweet reunion in Heaven yesterday. She loved the Lord through the good times and clung to Him during the difficult times. She would tell you to hang on. My prayers are with all of you.

I love Rhonda with all my heart. Our memories are unforgettable as yours are too. Hold on to Jesus and let him wrap you up. Give your dad a huge hug from me and Kyle
Love you all💕😢

I’m so very sorry. I have no words, sweet one. Loved your mama so much. Such a bright light! My love and prayers are being sent for you, Kim, your dad and family.

I am heartbroken and it doesn't seem real. Loved your Mom and all of you are part of the Goodwin family. Love and prayers to all.

I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful lady, inside and out. I have so many wonderful memories of her from so many years ago. She will definitely be missed. Praying for all of you.

I am so so sorry! She was such a wonderful woman that reflected Jesus well. I can’t imagine the pain you are feeling and will be praying for your whole family as y’all navigate through.

I am broken-hearted!! She lit up every room with her contagious smile.  She Took me under her wing when I was a young mama and was a wonderful friend to me for many years! She will be truly missed! Prayers for your family!!!

I’m so sorry for your loss! My heart aches for all of you!
Sheryl introduced your mom to me many years ago at Turner Elementary! She was such a precious lady! She loved her family so much and was so proud of her grandkids!!
When I heard the news I was so sad…but I also remembered what a sweet reunion she must be having with your brother Chip!
Your family is in my prayers! 💜

I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news about your mom. I've known her just about all my life, from growing up at Thomas Avenue Baptist Church all the way through high school. After that we kept in touch through the years. Rhonda was such a special person, truly a gift to everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed. Know your family is in my prayers.❤️

I am SO heartbroken for you all! I just can’t believe it! Your Mom was one of the nicest, happiest, & funniest ladies I ever had the pleasure of knowing. There wasn’t a time that I saw her that she didn’t have a smile on her face or was laughing. I know she’s with Our Lord now, but your hearts are still hurting. I’m praying for comfort and peace for your entire family for the days to come. Lots of love and hugs. 💗

Rhonda and I have been friends since Woodlands Parkway Baptist back in the 80s.   Rhonda was such a gracious hostess as evidenced by her warmth and the fun fellowships in her beautiful home.  She was quite the party planner with, as I recall,  a ladies sleepover that was one creative surprise after another! Rhonda was an empathetic listener as only a friend can be.  Thanks to Words With Friends,  sometimes playing up to three games at a time, we could still keep in touch daily, even though distance kept us apart. There is such a void there now.  I miss feeling like she is right there and sending messages back and forth.  Rhonda had a heart of gold and loved everyone, especially her family.  It was obvious the love she shared with John Kelly.  She was so proud of Chip,  Kari and Kimberly.  She was equally proud of those grandchildren that were her delight.  Although I miss her wonderful smile and infectious laugh I know I will see and laugh with her again because Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.  I feel so blessed to call her my sister in Christ and my friend.  She always made me feel like family.  My prayers will continue for your dear sweet family. 
Love you guys always.

Rhonda was one of my first friends when we moved to The Woodlands and visited Woodlands Parkway Baptist Church.   Our children were the same age and we all became such good friends. I thank God for the group of friends He gave us from that time of life.  Rhonda was so kind and welcoming and the most gracious and generous hostess ever. I can’t count the number of SS parties, wedding and baby showers, game nights, etc we spent at the Orso’s beautiful home. Rhonda had a hilarious sense of humor and the best most infectious laugh!  One of my favorite things was to listen to her tell stories about the funny things Marianna and Sheryl did through the years!  She could tell the best ones and keep us all laughing. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent together serving the Lord and loving people. Rhonda was so good at both. Rhonda was a good friend and the best Noni to her grands who she loved so dearly.  I will miss her so but I know I’ll see her again. Love you Kelly, Kimberly and Kari. 

Rhonda and I met at church , Thomas Avenue, when we were just toddlers. Rhonda was blessed with a gift to make friends and make them a priority in her life. I’m so glad God put on her heart to befriend me so many years ago. We have shared so much throughout the years. Fifth grade in Mrs. Dudley’s class (one of our favorite teachers),  GA camp at Peach Creek ( where Rhonda teased me about being homesick and tried to encourage me to stay), going on vacation to Colorado, trips to Mississippi (where we created our own fun and where she met John Kelly), being in each other’s wedding, celebrating the births of our children, death, praying  and sharing with each other as we went through trials, our children’s weddings, our grandchildren being born (Rhonda loved her grandkids), enjoying our grandchildren becoming friends, vacations to Branson, talking on the phone (my husband saying you were just with Rhonda for hours what on earth could you still have to say)and these are only a few memories. I’m so heartbroken that Rhonda is  not here with me now; my best friend, my family, my confidant, my encourager, my prayer warrior,..but I know we still have another memory to share and that will be praising our Savior together for eternity.

Greg and I were blessed to know Rhonda and family through Ronnie & Sheryl Ragone. We are saddened that she left so young. We remember her joyous laugh and beautiful spirit. She blessed so many and held so many many blessings in her life. Our sympathies to her precious family. Gone too soon.

It saddens my heart to hear of your passing.   I'll always remember how you went out of your way to ask how I was doing.  Especially, when I needed it the most.  Thank you sweet friend. 

Each loss we experience in life is different and we all process it in different ways.  But, the loss of a sister like Rhonda has left me with a heart that hurts…… she was kind, loving, and one of the most giving people I have ever known (often giving to others at great personal sacrifice).
She was my sister, my friend,  and much more.
I will miss her until we are reunited.
She would always tell me when there was a loss of a Believer, “They are the lucky ones!!”
Today, she is the lucky one…….🙌❤️

I met Rhonda in 1987. She was the first person to call me from Woodland Place Baptist, welcoming me and our family. Rhonda was always good at pulling people together both at church and in her home. She loved to get together and fellowship and play games. Our families became fast friends. Kari and Kimberly, age 3, were the same age as our Rebekah and a great friendship with the Orsos blossomed. Rhonda and I helped plan many wild and crazy Ladies sleepovers. The planning was as fun for us as the event. After the girls started school we spent a lot of time together sometimes shopping needlessly or having lunch. We had some great and fun times and laughed a bunch. Mostly she laughed at me or Sheryl, which made me laugh too. Rhonda was a devoted friend, always making me feel missed after we moved to Oklahoma. We talked often.  I can’t let the opportunity go without “telling one” one on Rhonda. After talking on the phone once she needed some information off of her phone to share with me. She messed  around a few minutes and then admitted that she couldn’t find her phone! Haha Rhonda! I was so excited to catch her in a goofy moment. Rhonda and I spent hours talking about our faith, church and current events. She had strong convictions and never veered  from her faith and beliefs. I will miss those conversations and her friendship. I loved Rhonda will continue to love The Orso family and hope to spend more time together in the future. Praying God’s best for each one in the days ahead.
  Love, Marianna Fielder

I am so saddened by the news of Rhonda’s passing. We had so many laughs and good times at Woodland Place Baptist Church.  Rhonda was such a sweet lovable lady. If you knew her you loved her!!
We can all cherish our wonderful memories of her. And those memories make me smile so much. Later Rhonda… we will meet again!💕

When you are part of a church, you understand why it is called a church family, because that is exactly what it is, a family.  Today we celebrated the life of one of our family members gone entirely too soon.  Rhonda was a light. She had a smile that illuminated even the darkest room and the most contagious laugh I have ever heard.  Rhonda took me under her wing as a young mama and was always a very loyal friend. Thank you Rhonda for your friendship, for your thoughtfulness, for your encouragement (even if you did lie to me and tell me that I would love my girl’s teenage years 😜) and for all the laughs and lunches we shared.  You will be missed more than you know! Until we meet again my friend. 😘

Kari and Kimberly were two of my very best childhood friends and their mom was like a second mom to me. I cannot tell you how many nights I spent at their house in junior high and high school. So many memories of my childhood are at their house in The Woodlands and in Carriage Hills. I remember Mrs. Rhonda  always having a cozy home with great food and yummy treats. She was always ready to have a good time and get together with friends and family. She and John Kelly have always been such fun and gracious hosts. We used to have fish fries at the Orso house on a regular basis and I really miss those days so much. 
When I think about Mrs. Rhonda I also remember shopping trips to outlet malls, eating out at Casa Ole and Chili’s, and summer outings to Astroworld, Splashtown etc. And no one can tell a funny story about my mom better than Mrs. Rhonda! She had the best memory about all my moms funny stories and teased her endlessly. Wish I could hear her tell those stories again! 
She will be so missed…I keep seeing her face crinkle and hear her contagious giggle. Rejoicing in the fact that I will see her again one day 💙

I just watched the beautiful video. what a lovely presentation of Rhonda's life. AMEN

I first met Rhonda  about 34 years ago when we started attending Woodlands Parkway, Baptist. . Her son, Chip had just passed away and I kept three-year-old  Kari and Kimberly during his services.  After that our families became fast friends.   Rhonda and I along with others, planned some pretty fun ladies events. I think we had as much fun planning as we did attending. She always got great joy at laughing at me or Sheryl and our antics. She always caught us  the most goofy stuff. But I’m going to tell one on Rhonda. 
After we move to Oklahoma, Rhonda and I were talking on the phone one day. We had been talking for a while when suddenly she needed some information off of her phone. She started looking around the house and finally admitted that she couldn’t find her phone!!! So there, Rhonda! I finally have one on you!
Rhonda loved to laugh and she was always fun to be around. We had many fun game nights together with the Orso’s and other families. Good times!  Rhonda and I spent most every day together once our girls got in school. We spent hours talking about issues that were important to us. We also did a lot of unneeded  shopping  and almost always ate lunch. We agreed on so many things and seem to want to raise our  girls the same way.  Since Kari, Kimberly and my girls were such good friends, it was easy to lay down the same rules. Our girls shared most of their life events together, church and children’s choir, school choir, proms,  ROTC at Oak Ridge high school and more.  All of the Orso’s have been precious friends to us. We love Kelly just as we do Kari and Kimberly and Ruby.
Even though we have been in Oklahoma for 20 years, Rhonda and I continued  to stay in touch and even got to see each other occasionally. She was the most devoted friend to me and many others. I will miss my friend so much but I am comforted to know that she is with Jesus and finally with her son, Chip and  also her dad.   I love you, Rhonda and I  will miss you. 
Marianna

Rhonda was a true friend to me and I will miss her friendship. She was the first friend I made at Gracepoint and we hit it off right away. She was always uplifting, smiling and loved to talk about her grandchildren. A sweet soul. 
My deepest sympathies to her family,
Regina & Ron Douglas 

I am so sorry for your loss. Rhonda is my first cousin. Her father and my father Ron (Blackie) Caldwell were/are brothers.  We are saddened that she was gone too soon, but God's plans are not ours. I am sure she is at peace and embracing the spirits of her father, son and nephew all so well. I can only imagine that reunion, but I am also so sorry those surviving are missing her dearly. She was a devout Christian so we know where she is at. I am not able to make the funeral as I just got over hospitalization for Covid. Please know I would have been otherwise. May God keep you and comfort you in these times. Godspeed and God Bless, Kristie Caldwell-Cripps 

I met Rhonda when Mike came on staff at WPBC in 1989.  It was a small church at that time and the congregation was like family…instant friends! Rhonda and Kelly were extremely supportive of us and quickly became good friends. They were both practical jokers and I still remember Rhonda’s  infectious laugh and sense of humor. I still hear that laugh! We left The Woodlands in 1996, but Rhonda remained a good friend. We didn’t talk real often, but when we did, we would talk for hours.   She called me in February while I was home recovering from a surgery. She called about 8:30 and at 1:30 am, she was laughing saying, “I can’t believe we’ve talked this long!!! We need to talk more often so we don’t talk so long”. I agreed, but I enjoyed every conversation with Rhonda. We believed the same, shared a like faith, agreed on politics..lol, and loved catching up on our families and especially our grandkids.  I’m still in shock that she’s gone, but she will never be forgotten! I loved Rhonda Orso and will miss her terribly. Prayers for her precious family and grandkids whom she loved immensely! 

John Kelly and Rhonda came into our lives at Calvary Baptist Church in New Orleans in the early 70’s.  We all became friends - and have stayed friends throughout all these years.  Rhonda and I laughed together and cried together.  She was always easy to talk with and her smile and laugh is forever seared into my memory.  She was the kind of friend that when we would talk after not seeing each other awhile we would pick up just like there had not been any time in between.  I will miss my forever friend but know that I will see her again.  Praying for John Kelly  and all her family whom she loved so much.  

Rhonda you were so easy to talk to and sympathize with. You understood and could relate so easily. Thank you for always being there for us. You are loved and I can’t wait till I see you again. You are deeply missed. Love Jessica and Asher. 

Rhonda was one of the most loving caring people I know. She was my first and best cousin and we grew up together in Pasadena and would spend the night together and play board games. She or Lynnda had gotten a Mystery Date game for Christmas one year and we were playing and I got stuck with the silly guy, ? I do not remember what his name was but Rhonda laughed so hard. I loved her laugh. When my grand-daughter was younger she laughed just like her. We always had a great time. We have kept in touch over the years and I would go stay with her. My heart grieves for your family. She was a very special person. Kind, loving and good hearted. She could make you laugh when you wanted to cry. She really knew how to give good advice. I feel because of her encouragement through so many bad times in my life, she helped me see I needed Jesus in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, I know it is not an easy time. May the Lord bring you comfort.



What beautiful memories and everlasting love you have left your family with.  I always remember seeing your car in The Townsend’s driveway and watching Jaqueline run to greet you. You were and always will be so special to your kids, grandkids, and whole family. I know they will miss you tremendously  

Rhonda was a great friend of mine!  We began our friendship when we were working at Phillips Petroleum and were both pregnant with our first child and have been friends ever since!  She will be truly missed!  My prayers for John Kelly and the girls and the rest of the family!

Rhonda was a special friend that I had the privilege of meeting  during our time in Magnolia.   We would often get together for lunch on our return trips to the Houston area,, and she was my toughest opponent in Words With Friends.     I can only imagine the joy she is experiencing in heaven.    She will be greatly missed.  

Rhonda was such a sweet loving person. I always enjoyed her sense of humor and smiles. To me personally she was encouraging. She will be greatly missed. 


I am so saddened by the loss of Rhonda, my friend.  She was such a beautiful lady inside and out.  She spread love wherever she went.  Her knowledge of the Bible was amazing and she always lived her life walking with the Lord.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life.  She loved sharing stories about them.   She was very proud of her daughters and the ladies they have become.   Even though she is not here physically,  her spirit will always be with us.  She made such a positive impact on my life and I am excited to know I will one day see her again.

Rhonda was a special lady whom I had the opportunity to meet and become to know from Woodland Place Baptist Church. She became my friend as we taught First Place weight program together. I will never forget, in April of 1998, I was going through a really dark time in my life, which I kept private. My phone rang early one morning and it was Rhonda. She was calling to check on me and said the Lord had laid my name on her heart early in the am and she began to pray for me and my children. I wept as she told me this because the night before had been a really bad night. 
She was a woman of God, steadfast, kind and most of all obedient.  She now rests in the arms of God and her love and light will continue on in the heart of her loved ones. RIP Rhonda... you will be truly missed. Until we meet again❤

I am so sorry to hear of Rhonda’s sudden passing. I only met her once at Kari and Grants wedding but she seemed like a lovely person. My condolences to her husband, children, and her extended family.

Wow. So many memories with Mrs. Rhonda. She was a second mom to me and one of my moms most loyal friends.  Most of my memories involve everyday life....nothing extremely grand because she truly was integrated in our day to day life growing up. When I think about her I think about her laugh and the way she crinkled her little nose, the way she would tell silly stories about my mom. I think about New Years Eve parties, every church event, youth group gatherings, trips to the grocery store, eating at Chilis, running errands, so many normal things. To me that's when you know a friendship is special and real, when you do the normal things together. I love her dearly. Kelly, Kari and Kim, I truly don't have the words....I love you guys. Always here for you. Praying. 

Love, Anna 

Rhonda and I went to church together years ago. She was always a special lady. Always had that sweet smile and a kind word. She and John Kelly raised two beautiful daughters.  I know Kimberly better and she is so much like her mom, always smiling and offering kind and encouraging words. I pray that God will give comfort, peace and strength to Rhonda's family and friends. And may her memory last forever in our hearts.

I met Rhonda when she and I worked together at A. R. Turner Elementary. Her love for life and children was evident through every interaction. Her beautiful smile lit up the room along with her contagious laugh. The friendship she has with Sheryl is one to be admired. They share the most precious friendship! Her love for her family is also seen in every memory and event she would share.  Prayers for her family and all of those who love and cherish her. 

Rhonda is my first cousin and even though I didn’t get to see her often, when I did we always picked up where we left off.  I enjoyed when they would come to the family reunions because we were able to catch up.  She loved her family so much because she talked about them often.  I will miss our visits!  Love and prayers to the whole family!!

Rhonda was wonderful. She was a good cook and I have some of her recipes. Very sorry she passed so young.

Our hearts are aching but we know that at this very moment, you are experiencing the majesty of heaven and are delightedly reunited with Chip. We all grieve for our loss of a beautiful friend, and look forward to the day when we see you again. 

Oh my heart!  Such a precious soul!  We lived around the bend in The Woodlands and attended church together.  Newly married, first home and first child and  I so appreciated the wisdom she shared along the way!  She shared the love and hope of Jesus so well.  She so treasured her girls!  May you be held close and feel the prayers of all that were touched by such a beautiful soul!

OBITUARY

Rhonda Caldwell Orso

November 28, 1955 – November 10, 2021

Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Visitation

Graveside Service