Remembering Stephanie Rhone (9/12/1963 – 6/18/2010)

That’s Steffi (on the right) with her sister Cyndi. Steffi was my friend at church. I saw her virtually every week. She called me “Dad”. Somehow she got it into her head that I was her second dad; no amount of explaining could change her mind. Perhaps it was because her father’s name is David, like me. Nobody ever really knew why she was so insistent on calling me “Dad”, but she always did, and she always had a smile for me… along with a bone-crushing bear hug. Steffi was more than special in my life; she was a loving and joy-filled force of nature!

Sandra and David Rhone sent me an email that reflects such a pure Christian witness, that I just have to share it; it’s followed by the loving obituary she followed it with:

Our sweet, loving Stephanie passed away in her sleep early Friday morning. She was perfectly fine when she went to bed Thursday night. It's been a real shock. We miss her and will continue to miss her a lot. But we have great peace and comfort in knowing she is in the arms of her and our Lord Jesus being hugged and squeezed by him. We feel, thank you, and appreciate all your prayers.

In love, The Rhones

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Stephanie Diane Rhone, 46, went to be with her Lord Jesus early Friday morning, June 18. She passed away very unexpectedly in her sleep. Stephanie was born on September 12, 1963 to David and Sandra Rhone in Alhambra, CA. Seven years later her sister Cynthia was born. Stephanie grew up in Placentia and Yorba Linda and graduated from Canyon Hills School in Orange in 1986. Since she was a teenager she has lived in Wallace Care Homes and more recently Cristobal Care Home during the week, spending her weekends at home with her family. Stephanie has been a Special Olympian her whole life competing in track and field the first time at age 7. Other events she competed in include volleyball, softball, and bowling, but her many medals were garnered mostly in gymnastics and Alpine Skiing. Her last competition was up at Big Bear in March, 2008. Stephanie was honored to be chosen by the Orange County Special Olympics to be one of the Sports Ambassadors for Alpine Skiing for 2008 - 2009. Over the years since graduation she had worked at Carl’s Jr., Burger King, and El Pollo Loco, as well as Anaheim Memorial Manor and most recently Pavilions in Newport. Stephanie was an active, long time member of Messiah Lutheran Church where served her Lord Jesus as an acolyte, greeter, and communion helper. Dear, sweet, Stephanie was loving, thoughtful, and caring, with smiles and hugs for all who knew her. And there are lots who knew her and will remember her always.

Donna and Richard Wesley were very close to Stephanie Rhone, and life-long friends of Stephanie’s parents, David and Sandra. After hearing about Steffi’s death, Donna sent the following email to the Rhone family. Wayne Engstrom read it at the celebration of the life of Stephanie Diane Rhone we had at the church on Thursday afternoon. It is a wonderful tribute to Stephanie, the scope and the impact of her love and her life, and a fond remembrance between families that are far more than friends… they love one another!

Dear Dave, Sandy, Cyndi:

Somehow it doesn't seem right that we should be here in Colorado at this time...we should be with you all laughing and crying remembering God's Angel...Stephanie. So in an incomplete way I am sitting here at the computer while Rich sleeps and remembering the love she brought us.

The first time we saw her was at a church beach outing in Corona Del Mar. She and Eric were about the same age and I think they threw sand at one another. Who was to know what an impact the Rhone family and Wesley family would have on one another. Shortly thereafter, Dave came by our house on Kermath St. on his bicycle with Steffi sitting in a seat in the back and we all talked for a while...the relationship was building. And all the time we talked Steffi was smiling and trying to get a "word" in while we gabbed. She was making herself known! Time went on and it seemed Eric and Steffi ended up in the same Sunday school class and at about five, Eric asked why Steffi was different. What an opportunity for us to tell him about the "special children" God created. How wonderful for us as a family to share the growing up years of this special girl.

Yes, our families were becoming entwined...Ruth Mary, along with you, Sandy… joined the very first Bible Study I led in my home. I remember being very humbled as Ruth Mary shared the story of the love she had for her granddaughter Stephanie and her acceptance of this "special child." And Ruth Mary became my friend!!! What a delightful experience this Rhone/Wesley relationship was becoming.

And sad times, I remember sitting with Steffi and Cyndi after you brought the girls to our house as you rushed to the hospital when your dad, Walter, had a heart attack. Steffi was almost inconsolable but I had an opportunity to hug and talk with her. All these occasions are gifts from God.

Years later, coming home from work driving down Valley View, who did I see but Steffi trudging along heading to your house from the bus stop. I pulled over and offered her a ride. "No" said Steffi, "My Dad said I need to walk and can't accept rides." She was a determined girl and listened to her Dad.

What a gift for my kids, along with Susie, volunteering at the Special Olympics and they did so honoring your Stephanie. All of these events opened all our eyes and made us look beyond appearances and look into the heart of each and every individual. What a heart she had...I can still feel those real tight hugs.

How about the infamous back pack trip to the Sierra for one whole week? I remember Cyndi "catching cars" with her fishing pole and who can forget Steffi's determination to hike up the mountain and eventually our long hike back out in a snow storm. The memories are building and so are the tears.

Stef had one up on me...I never learned to ski. I remember watching her at Brian Head snowplowing down the mountain and thinking "If Steffi can ski, so can I!!! But she was better than me...I never did learn to ski. But she sure was my inspiration for a while then I just figured I'd leave it that... she was better than me. Oh yes, she was better than me she saw good in everything and loved everyone. If only all of us had the heart of a Stephanie.

Thinking of church and her love for her church, there will never be a more enthusiastic acolyte!!!! If only every acolyte approached the job with her reverence, determination and love. What a joy to watch her.

Yes, through confirmations, 50th, 60th and 70th birthdays we have been together. Through changes of command, aspen tree plantings and most recently at our Granddaughter's Master's Degree Graduation the Wesley Family and Rhone Family have been entwined...what a gift from God and now our arms ache that we cannot laugh and cry with you on the loss of your Stephanie. We are better people for having known her and we loved her. Thank you for sharing her with us. God bless you Dave, Sandy and Cyndi. We love you.

Rich and Donna

A few days later, Richard Wesley died, and has joined Steffi in the arms of our Lord. As Christians, we look forward to our final destination, but as humans, we still feel the pain of losing a loved one. I ache for the loss felt by these two intertwined families. Sandra and David are traveling to Colorado to be with Donna this coming week, so I'm sure they will find comfort with one another. After all, Jesus does promise us:

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
- Matthew 18:20

Your brother in Christ,

Dave