Rhonda Sharon Long Obituary (1963 - 2021)

Rhonda Sharon Long (Appleton) was born to Calvin and Daisy Appleton on Feb 8, 1963 in Tulare, Ca. She grew up here in Tulare County all her life, mostly in the little town of Woodville. She was the youngest of four siblings. She had a very close relationship with her sister Debi, who sadly lost her battle to cancer in 2019. She attended Monache High School and graduated in 1980. Rhonda married Russell Long in Feb of 1982 and welcomed their first baby, a daughter they named Brianna, in November 1982. They went on to have three more children, Matthew, Chelsea, and when they moved their family to Arizona in 1996, Rhonda gave birth to her last child, her son Andrew. Shortly after Andrew was born, the family moved back to Tulare Co. In 2001, Katelyn was born, and although she wasn't biologically Rhonda's, Rhonda helped raise and care for her as if she were her own. Rhonda at the age of 45 was determined to finish her education. She worked hard and earned her Degree to became a drug and alcohol counselor. She worked for some time in the Tulare County Drug Court prgm and worked closely with the judge and attended court each week on behalf of her clients. She also taught DUI classes and counseled many ppl seeking recovery from substance abuse. Rhonda loved to craft and paint and was an avid collector of many knick nacks. She had an artist's eye, and was a wonderful photographer. She loved to go on drives with her daughter Brianna and they'd take pictures of wildflowers and old barns with their matching cameras. She always loved to take pictures of her children and grandchildren. She loved the holidays and her favorite was Christmas. She loved to relax and get pedicures with her daughter Chelsea and son in law Marc. She loved painting her grand daughters nails and toes and them returning the favor while having sleep overs. Rhonda never missed her grandchildren's birthday parties. She often took the grandkids for chocolate dipped ice cream cones and root beer floats. She always made sure her children never went without and was always someone they could count on for anything. Rhonda loved to go on trips and was always ready to jump in the car and go anytime before she got sick. She loved going on cruises to Mexico and Disneyland was a special place to visit with her kids and grandchildren. She went on many fun and memorable trips to Las Vegas and to the coast, always in the company of her family. Rhonda loved her family. She loved going out to dinners or family meals cooked at home and could eat her weight in crab legs. She made the best enchiladas. One of her favorite things in the world was chocolate. Sadly, Rhonda became sick about 2 1/2 years ago and was diagnosed with cancer. When one chemo drug they tried would fail, she kept a positive attitude and kept going. Toward the end, when the cancer had spread, she continued to have a positive outlook and wanted to live. But she was tired and her body had enough. Rhonda's two daughters, Brianna and Chelsea, along with Russell, worked diligently to care for Rhonda the last 6 1/2 weeks of her life and made sure she was loved and well taken care of, and never once was she alone til her very last breath. Rhonda passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 8th. Rhonda is preceded in death by her mother and father Daisy and Calvin Appleton, and oldest sister Deborah Bates. She is survived by her 5 children, Brianna Long, Chelsea Wolfe, Matthew Long, and Andrew Long, Katelyn Long, niece Amanda Appleton and 11 grandchildren. We can't forget her cherished Yorkie Honey, who was loved like one of her children. The family would like to thank Annabel Rangel for her help with Rhonda's care, as well as the Bristol Hospice Team and the Roger S. Good Cancer Treatment Center. Rhonda will truly be missed and forever in our hearts.