Knudson Family Drama.


Friday, November 27, 2009

Life Goes On

During these crazy last few months our lives have literally been turned upside down, in and out, and sideways too. Somehow, we have managed to stick together as a large family and pull through. We made it through Halloween and Thanksgiving, our first two Holidays without Rhonda. I attended a 2 year olds birthday party that made me cry because I can't help but know that she'll never be there for any more of my kids birthdays. This sucks.
Guess what? Life goes on. While people are dying around us and there is turmoil everywhere I look, our life goes on. My kids keep growing and changing, and there is always laundry and dishes to be done and a house to keep clean.
Our friends welcomed a baby boy early this morning into the world; Braddock Scott Johnson! See, life goes on. At least there are lots of babies for me to snuggle with so I can forget my woes...

Friday, November 6, 2009

A sad sad day.

It's never easy to say goodbye. On Wednesday we said goodbye to Rhonda, sort of. We had graveside services and a memorial service, but we didn't really say goodbye. After all, we have a 4 year old who brings up her Nana constantly. Thank heavens for that.



God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you, and whispered “Come to Me”. With tearful eyes we watched you, we watched you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands now rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.



This amazing saying was on the inside of our memorial program. Sorry to say, I'm not super inspired to write anything right now, I'll get back to it though soon, atleast I'll try.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Rhonda Lee (Hlavaty) Knudson

On Oct 29, 2009, after a 10 year fight with breast cancer, Rhonda, with her family by her side, chose to join her father and son; a decision her family supported.
Rhonda (Hlavaty) Knudson was born July 29, 1954 in Port Angeles, Wa. At the age of 14, she moved with her family to Arlington where they purchased Stilly Auto Parts and it became a family run business.
Rhonda graduated from Arlington High School in 1972 and married her high school sweetheart, Mike Knudson, in 1973. In 1987, Mike and Rhonda purchased the NAPA store from her parents where they have worked together ever since. Rhonda loved her NAPA family and customers, her community, camping, cooking, reading, Schweitzer, ‘da beautiful snow and most of all, her family.
Rhonda spent hours watching, cheering, and supporting baseball; it was her passion. She followed any sports teams that her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews played. She was known for always lending a helping hand and loving support to anyone who needed it, in any situation. Rhonda was active with the Silvana Community Assoc, Fair Board and Fire Dept. and she was the only woman on the National Ad Council for NAPA.
Rhonda is survived by loving husband of 36 years, Mike, their 2 sons; Ryan (Kelli) Knudson and Colby(Tisha) Knudson; and beautiful grandchildren; Syvannah, Alex, Cadynce and Camden. She also leaves her mother; Cleone Hlavaty, father and mother in-law; Ben and Evelyn Knudson, sister; Sandie (Tom) Cooper, brother; Wade Hlavaty and much loved nieces and nephews along with her dear friends; the Strotz family and the worthless cat; Edna.
Rhonda is joining her son; Adam, father; Roy and beloved cocker spaniel; Heidi .
Rhonda was the bravest, most courageous woman we have ever known. Her tenacity in her long fought battle with breast cancer amazed and inspired all who knew her. She will be missed and will live in our thoughts and hearts forever.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 on Wed, Nov 4 at Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rhonda’s memory to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.