Rhonda Lynn Mullen (nee Simon) passed away on August 3, 2023.  She was born in South Bend Indiana to Sheldon and Sharron Simon.  On February 20, 1982, she married Jeff Mullen.  She is survived by her loving husband, Jeff; her mother, Sharron; her children Andrew (Amber) Mullen of Mitchell, IN, Adam (Allyssa) Mullen of Portage, Whitney (Adam) Miller of Portage; two granddaughters, who were the light of her life, Mia and Audrey Mullen of Portage; two sisters, Renee (Daniel) Ives of Valparaiso and Tracy (Kevin) O’Laughlin of Sawyer, MI; In-laws, that were closer to her than blood family: Jo, Carl, Joyce (Corey who preceded her in death), Jill, Danny, John and Karen.  She had a host of aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews that were all dear to her, and special friends April, Brenda and Judy.  Rhonda never met a stranger, so we know there are more of you out there! The Family would like to thank Dr. Stepanovic, Dr Harting and Dr. Sidani who all had cared for Rhonda over the years.  She was preceded in death by her father, Sheldon in 1997.

Rhonda graduated from Chesterton High School Class of 1979.  She attended Lake City Community College in Lake City Florida where she studied photography.  Photography was her lifelong passion and she loved being behind the camera. Her photos offered people the chance to see how she saw the world. Rhonda has loved to travel since she was a little girl and even towards the end, experiencing sights and wonders across the entire United States.

Rhonda did not have an easy life, especially through the last 18 years. She did not like the words “battle” or “fighter” because those words imply losing.  Instead, she chose to look at her cancer and heart disease as dance partners she never wanted.  They showed up unannounced and she had to take them everywhere, constantly learning new steps.   Her family will mourn her loss and miss her forever but will rejoice that she is no longer in pain.

Friends may meet with family on Monday, August 7, 2023 from12-2:30 PM with a Celebration of Life Service following at 2:30 PM.   Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 370 N County Line Road, Hobart, IN.

The family will receive friends at the Life Community Church McCool Road South Haven from 3:30-6 PM for food and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers and gifts please consider donating to the Friends of The Dunes at Dunefriends.org.