Rhonda Gaydos

Rhonda Lynn Gaydos

February 15, 1961 – February 25, 2026

Rhonda Lynn Gaydos, 65, passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2026, after fighting cancer for more than eight years, with the grace and determination that defined everything she did. There are no words to describe who she was or what she meant to the people who loved her. But for those fortunate enough to have known her, you understand.

Rhonda and Mike married on April 20, 1985 in London, Ohio and built a fulfilling life together. After a brief time in Cleveland, they put down roots in Aurora, Colorado, where they lived for 31 years and raised their family. When their children eventually made their way to Florida, Rhonda and Mike followed, and Odessa become home for the past several years.

Against all odds, Rhonda became the first person (and first woman) in her family to attend college, graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Design and Textiles. Obtaining a college education was the first of many times that she would prove people wrong over the years. Her career climbed to heights that would have seemed impossible at the start. At Richmond Homes, she went from staging model homes to serving as Vice President of National Merchandising. Every employer she worked for quickly discovered what her family already knew. Rhonda raised the standard on everything she touched, all while raising a close-knit family, running her kids to every practice, hosting friends, and never once making it look like a choice between one thing or another.

She was not someone who sat still. Rhonda always had a project on the craft table, sewing machine humming, plants blooming, oven baking, a lunch with Paige to get to, a book club meeting, bible-study, and so much more. She loved to travel and made it to more destinations than most, always eager to explore new places and try new foods (the spicier the better). But her favorite trips, without exception, were always the ones taken with her family.

She was also the kind of person who kept bags of essentials in her car for anyone she came across who was in need, showed up at a neighbor’s door with dinner after a new baby, and always had room in her home for someone who needed a place to rest. Giving to others is just what Rhonda did, never asking for anything in return.

Her faith is real and a guiding light. She became an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church after moving to Florida. Church wasn’t just something she did on Sundays. It was how she lived. Her faith carried her through her life, especially through the hard years.

Eight years is a long time to battle a terminal illness. Rhonda did it without complaint, without stepping back from the people she loved, and without losing herself in the process. She kept showing up and she kept making plans. She proved more than one doctor wrong, not out of spite, but because giving-up simply wasn’t in her nature. Cancer may have gotten the last word, but it never kept her from living. She is at peace now, and if we know Rhonda, she’s already found something to keep her busy.

She is survived by her parents, Ronald and Marilyn Schellhaas, husband Mike Gaydos, son Corey (Lauren) Gaydos, daughter Paige (Jeremy) Sutherland, sister Janie (Jeff) Jacob, granddaughters Scarlett, Ashlyn, and Kinley, with a grandson on the way, along with nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of family and friends whose lives are better for having known her.

Rhonda’s family is planning a Celebration of Life in the coming weeks and invite all who knew Rhonda to celebrate her and the joy she brought to your life. Please join us in celebration. Bright colors, high-heels and fun earrings encouraged, just as Rhonda always modeled!

April 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Our Savior Lutheran Church
301 58th St S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33707

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Imerman Angels (https://imermanangels.org/), a cancer support group Rhonda actively participated in and mentored through, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance https://colorectalcancer.org/, or to Our Savior Lutheran Church https://oursaviorfl.org/donate/.