Rhonda Benge - Newquist

Rhonda M. Benge-Newquist, 57, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died on Saturday, May 28, 2011, at the Henry County Health Center. Visitation will begin after 12 noon, on Tuesday, May 31st, at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel, of Mt. Pleasant, where the family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m., that evening. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 1st, at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Earl Swigart officiating. Burial will be in Burge Cemetery, New London, IA. Memorials have been established to the activity fund at Arbor Court and the Boomer Esiason Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis. The daughter of Earl W. and Deloris M. McGuire Benge, Rhonda Mae, was born November 23, 1953, in Mt. Pleasant. She was a 1972 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and took CNA classes through Southeastern Community College. On October 20, 1973, she married Darrell Newquist in Mt. Pleasant. The couple later divorced. Rhonda was a homemaker, putting her love and energy into raising her children. While living in Ft. Madison, IA, she was a member of Madison Baptist Church. Along with being a devoted mother, Rhonda enjoyed music and baking. She was known for her delicious brownies. She liked playing Bingo and was an avid Cubs fan. In years past, Rhonda played the piano and painted with watercolor. Along with her parents of Mt. Pleasant, Rhonda is survived by a daughter, Jullee Newquist of Ft. Madison, IA; a son, Jeremy Newquist of Clinton, IA; and a brother Ron (Sandi) Benge of Mt. Pleasant, IA. Rhonda was preceded in death by her grandparents; two infant sons, Kyle and Benji Newquist; and an infant sister, Leanna Benge.