Rhonda Jo Allen

rhonda allen
Rhonda Jo Maxey Allen was a dedicated and joyful servant of the Lord. On March 29, 2017, just hours after spending time worshiping and singing praises to Jesus, she got to meet her Savior face to face. Rhonda was born on November 6, 1955 in Pasadena, Texas where she grew up, graduated from Sam Rayburn High School, and eventually started raising a family of her own. She relocated to New Braunfels in 1993 where she planted roots and watched her family grow. Once in New Braunfels, Rhonda pursued her passion for nursing, devoting herself first to the education and then to the practice of hospice nursing. Her interest in hospice nursing was spurred by the experiences with her beloved father and grandmother towards the end of their own lives. She served in the career with all of the dedication and compassion it demands. Rhonda worked at Hope Hospice for many years and later at Gentiva Hospice, giving aid and comfort to patients in the New Braunfels community. Rhonda was preceded in death by her beloved husband Barry Allen, father James Allen Barlow and mother Verline Wright Barlow, daughter Julie Ann Maxey, and dear friend and father of her children, Curtis Maxey. She is survived by her adoring children Jessica Melott and husband Scott; Patty Jo Sheets and husband Wes; Barlow Maxey and girlfriend Brooke Barter; brother Al Barlow and wife Neda; sister Rachel Stevens and husband Alan; her five granddaughters who lit up her life: Evie Jo, Lucy, Ruthie, Lilly, and Saroja Melott; step-sons Cary and Miles Allen; her stepmother Cheryl Wright and husband David; her children's bonus mom Kim Maxey; and several very special friends who she considered her family. Rhonda also had numerous aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she cherished. Rhonda loved music of all kinds. She embraced it not only as a fan and listener but also through singing along, even if sometimes off key, with the many musicians in her circle of family and friends. Just as she viewed life's ups and downs through the lens of her unwavering Christian faith, she could find a song in just about anything her friends and loved ones said or did. Rhonda's favorite place to be was anywhere that she was with her three children. In the past year, she shared memorable moments with her children and friends in Hawaii and Cancun. The beach was Rhonda's happy place and she loved having her toes in the sand and her large jug of tea in her hand. She loved all card games, dominoes, Yahtzee, Wahoo, and was more than happy to make up her own rules if it helped her win the games. Those who met her will never forget her distinctive, loving Texas drawl, delightful laugh, and charming hospitality. On her Facebook page, Rhonda was quoted as saying "I love my life!" She truly did love life and radiated her joy and love for life to all who met her. Rhonda worshiped at First Baptist Church of New Braunfels and her memorial service will be held there on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 2:00 PM. In keeping with Rhonda's gift of hospitality, her family will host a Song & Story Swap Celebration of Life from 6-9 PM at 416 Kerlick Ln. in New Braunfels on Saturday, April 8th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chosen (adoption support) at www.chosen.care/give or First Baptist Church of New Braunfels' Tragedy Relief Fund (www.fbcnb.org)

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  1. Rhonda exuded love of life and made everyone feel special and part of the fun. I feel so blessed to have known her.

  2. I send my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy and love to the family of Rhonda Allen. She made a positive impact on everyone she crossed paths with and she will be dearly missed. For the family: Stay strong and hold on to your faith. Time will never lessen the heartache but it will help you learn to love again.

  3. This was beautifully written and such a true description of your loving momma! She was such an amazing woman and I feel blessed that I knew her. Some of my favorite memories of her were at PJ & Wes’s crawfish boils!! Rhonda’s hugs were the best and you call tell a lot by someone’s hug!

  4. This was beautifully written and such a true description of your loving momma! She was such an amazing woman and I feel blessed that I knew her. Some of my favorite memories of her were at PJ & Wes’s crawfish boils!! Rhonda’s hugs were the best and you call tell a lot by someone’s hug! My deepest sympathy to all of the family and I will continue to keep praying for all of you.

  5. Al & Neda, Rachel, Jessica, Patty Jo, Barlow, Cheryl and David & All Family members: Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers for peace, comfort and strength. We love all of you but Jesus loves you more.

  6. What a beautiful tribute to an amazing Woman that I was privileged to have As my best friend. Rhonda was a gift from God and now with God. My prayers and Sympathy to Jessica, Patty Jo and Barlow and all the children. I carry you all in my heart. Sister Jeanne Hope(“Nunny”)

  7. I work with Kerry. I have heard Rhonda was a wonderful child of God. Sorry for your lost. I know I will get to met her .

  8. Patti Jo ..we wanted you to know! That I just recently read “We must remember our Entire life is an ACT of Worship!” After reading your moms story ..your mom had the love for Life..so she was a great example of living her life in worship! She truly loved life and she loved others. May you feel God and his love during this time of Loss! Keith and Cherryna Little

  9. This made me smile and laugh…….just as Rhonda did. A beautiful tribute. Many prayers for the multitude of people who will miss her so much!

  10. RIP Rhonda. Your sparkling eyes and beautiful smile will be missed. The couple of time that I talked to you was a positive pleasure. Prayers for your family

  11. My mom, my dad, & my brother-in-law were blessed to have Rhonda as their Hospice nurse here in New Braunfels. Being from our hometown & our high school, and during some of the saddest times of my life, Rhonda was that ray of sunshine that we needed! I am forever grateful to her. Our family sends our deepest sympathy to Al, Jessica, Patti Jo & the other family members. We lost a real angel, but Heaven gained a bright & shining star…

  12. Rhonda was such a sweet, loving member of our family. She made Barry’s last years so full of love. It is so comforting to know she and Barry are together in Heaven.

  13. I will forever remember you as my s.i.l’s BCF. What a wonderful friend you were to her. You helped to temper the grieving of the loss of another BFF. I am grateful to have known you, Rhoda.

  14. We are so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. Barry Allen was my cousin.

  15. The thing I remember most about Rhonda Jo Barlow Allen is her smile and laughter. I remember the week end when grandma BARLOW was still living and all the family wound come in. We all wound enjoy each other’s company. It’s was like thanksgiving all the time. I remember Rhonda rocking her baby in grandma BARLOW’s rocking chair and we all would sing with Al to the tune of tip toe thru the tulips with me. I love each and every one of you all so much and I’m sorry for your lose of a wonderful person,mother, Grandmother, and sister. May god bless you all thru this day of sorry. Kim Edwards,Kathy HALE and Sharon Hite Carrell

  16. I am so sadden by your family’s sudden loss and I will continue to keep you all in my prayers .

  17. A beautiful tribute…Rhonda was full of life, joy and kindness…everything we strive to be…offering prayers for her family.

  18. Inspirational, just like Rhonda! She will be missed in the flesh but lives on in the smiles of her loved ones.

  19. Love and prayers to Rhonda’s family. I will miss sitting next to “Aunt Rhonda” as we watched Ty Burkhardt play baseball. You will be missed by so many, as you touched the heart of so many!!!

  20. Grateful to have gotten to know her. Thank you for sharing your mother with us, Jessica. Know that we are praying for your entire family as you walk these dark times. We love you all.

  21. I was blessed to have worked alongside Rhonda. It has been a couple of years since we have spoken yet her voice and smile made a lifelong imprint on my heart. I was able to witness first hand the amazing care she provided her Hopice patients. My heart hurts for her family yet it rejoices for her as She’s now in heaven with the Lord and in the mansion that her legacy has built. I’m sure it’s beautiful just like her.

  22. I have had the family in my thoughts since the accident. I was blessed to have had the Rhonda as a supportive parent of Jessica while on Jessica was running on my teams at Rayburn. Rhonda instilled so many good qualities in her kids. I know she is loving heaven and getting lots of pats on the back for her job of being an awesome mom. I am sorry she was taken so soon.

  23. There will be a big void to fill, for Rhonda was certainly an angel on earth. She was one of the most caring and generous people, I have grown to know. God Bless all her family to remember just how she made us all smile.

  24. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. I feel honored to have known Rhonda. She was a giving person and self-less in her actions.

  25. I was at the retreat with Rhonda, and was witness to her as she had fun and made sure that others did too. Such a fun and loving person. She was much younger than most of us, but that didn’t seem to make a difference to her. Loved her beautiful smile.

  26. Rhonda was such a sweet person with a winning smile and loving heart. I met her at McKenna hosp when she started nursing. I also got to share in the care of her hospice patients when she was there to visit. I will treasure her memory forever! My deep felt sympathy goes out to her family and friends, and coworkers and her brothers and sisters in Christ! May she Rest In Peace!! I love you Rhonda!!!

  27. I was privileged to work with Rhonda for several years at Hope Hospice. She always took such good care of her patients and families and was beloved. She brought light and laughter to us all. She was devoted to her family and told many stories of taking the grandkids camping and to the beach. It is difficult to think we will no longer hear her Southern twang! Rest In Peace, friend. You are already missed…

  28. Rhonda was such a sweet soul I know she will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends at this difficult time.

  29. We are deeply sadden by your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. It was a great privilege to know Rhonda. She was always full of laughter and great stories and we’ll always remember her caring and loving nature.

  30. I will miss seeing Rhonda is Sunday school. She was always laughing and made others smile. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

  31. Red Rhonda you were a gift from God. Thank you for being my friend – thank you for the phone calls when i lost my husband. Thank you for your laughter, your joy, your being!

  32. I had the honor of working with Maxey at hope hospice, she was an inspiration to me and many others. It was difficult to have a sad day when she was around. I know all who knew her can still hear her voice giving some kind and upbeat words, loud, kind upbeat words! Love you, Maxey.

  33. I had the pleasure of working with Rhonda just for a short time but I will always remember her as a loving and caring nurse that she was. Prayers for you and your family during this time.

  34. Jessica, Scott and family, I just wanted you to know we’ve been praying for you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your mom, but have only heard wonderful things. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. All our love.

  35. my prayers are with you all for this was a great loss for us all…Rhonda’s smile would light up any room! she will truly be miss!

  36. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family and friends of this sweet woman. Rhonda had a heart of gold and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day. Even when things weighed heavy on her mind, she could make you smile and laugh. Rest in peace and God Bless!

  37. Rhonda was a patient of mine for many years, and I was blessed to know her and care for her! I can still hear her voice with that distinctive drawl agreeing with me that she needs to floss more! I can also remember her talking about her wonderful children and grandchildren. She knew how blessed she was and she enjoyed life to the fullest! I am truly sorry for your loss. She will be missed.


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