Obituary of Rhonda Williams

Rhonda Kathleen (Benson) Williams, aged 64, died unexpectedly on November 1st, 2019, at Fairview Southdale Hospital. Rhonda was born on December 24th, 1954, in Huron, South Dakota, to Russell and Annette Benson. They moved to Paynesville, Minnesota, in 1964. Growing up, she was a cheerleader and enjoyed working in her parents’ dress shop, Annette’s. She graduated from Paynesville High School and attended St. Cloud State University. 

Always a free spirit, she drove a red jeep and ventured to the mountains of Colorado, where she worked at a ski shop. Later on, she worked at JB Hudson Jewelers, and also ran her own jewelry company. She met Ken Williams at the Minneapolis Apparel Market, and they married in August 1994, and made their home in Prior Lake. Here, they welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth. 

Rhonda knew everything about flowers, and her lush gardens showed it. She had a knack for aesthetics, from gardening and landscaping, to assembling chic outfits for Elle.

She had an undeniably strong and beautiful connection with her daughter. Rhonda was the ultimate life coach and confidant. They enjoyed walks around Lake of the Isles, and kayaking the Chain of Lakes, sharing Thai meals, watching Dancing with the Stars and The Voice (you get the picture), and travels to New York City and abroad. They even spent three adventurous weeks last year traveling Europe together.

Rhonda’s greatest gift was her selfless care for others. She dedicated her life as a caregiver—for her aging parents, for her family, for her elderly ladies and private clients. She had a special gift of brightening everyone’s day with her theatrics, grand sense of humor, and patience. She and Ken also brought much laughter and joy to their extended family through their witty banter and wonderful sense of humor. She was extraordinary and will be greatly missed.  

She is survived by her husband, Ken; her daughter, Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Melinda Nevins; brother Douglas Benson; sister, Lorrie (Kevin) Torbenson; mother-in-law, Barbara Williams; nieces and nephews Kristi (Ryan) Freeman, Gina Benson, Rusdon Torbenson, Matthew Torbenson, Gabrielle Nevins, and Noah Nevins, and her grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Richard and her parents, Russell and Annette. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 8th, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota at 7110 France Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota. Visitation one hour prior, and fellowship 3–5 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the organization of your choice.