Rhonda Lynne Morris (Franklin)

September 8th, 1955 - November 7th, 2024

Celebration of Life, November 16th, 2024

A Celebration of Life Potluck will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, MO. Rhonda spent a lot of her time volunteering there, and we would love for us all to gather in a place where she made a lot of memories and friends.
Email Rachel at RachelJMorris@gmail.com with questions!

About

Rhonda Lynne Franklin was born in Texas in 1955 to Bobby Lee Winkle and William Jackson Franklin, and has two brothers, Greg Winkle and Robert Winkle. Rhonda's husband is Jon Patrick Morris, and she has two children: Rachel Singh (Morris) and Rose Morris.

Rhonda loves reading non-fiction about history and politics, and has a natural inclination to teach. She began her professional career as a teacher, taught Rachel and Rose as homeschoolers, then once again taught at public school once her kids were teenagers, and after retirement gave tours at the World War I Memorial Museum and the Truman Museum.

Since before we can remember, mom's choice of breakfast has been three crunchy tacos. She loves watching Jeopardy, listening to Santana, and her favorite movie is Overboard.

Rhonda passed away on the morning of November 7th, 2024, surrounded by her family. She had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer on September 6th, 2024. She was receiving hospice care at home watched over by her husband and children.


Guestbook

Tell us about a memory or your thoughts about Rhonda.

Who Notes
Rachel Morris Singh Mom has always been our guardian and guide throughout our lives. She taught us as children, took us out to museums and libraries and orchestras and parks, we watched documentaries together, we talk about life together. She's been there beside us every step of the way. When I think of mom I think of peace and quiet, house plants, gardens, books, and tacos. I think of the way she laughs. I love you mom!
Kelley Morris I enjoyed our chats about education but mostly I have appreciated your kindness over the years. ❤️
Colleen Clark Rhonda’s passion for all things unjust is legendary. She is an exceptionally intelligent lady. In fact she is one of the smartest woman I have ever known. I bet she could whip anyone in a game of Jeopardy. In retirement, she spent her time giving tours at the WWI museum and at the Harry S Truman Library and Museum. I love following her tour and learn so much each time. She definitely found her volunteer niche. I am proud and privileged to have met Rhonda.
Rose Morris Mom is a very high quality mom and person. She’s always been very easy going, kind, and has a quirky and dry sense of humor. She’s always interesting to hear talk about history and stuff, because i feel like she is good at telling them through human stories and knows a lot about the motives and backstories behind people’s actions at the time. She took me to a lot of independent movies growing up and exposed me to a lot of classic films. I’ve been really lucky to have her around!
Benjamin Melton I have a lot of good memories with Rhonda. She is a strong,smart, and considerate person. My life has been enriched for knowing her.
Laura Gust I am amazed at the patience and wit Rhonda shows. Especially in crowds of family. She stays calm. Interesting to talk with, if you can find a spot for a quiet talk. (she talks quiet!) We didn't get to meet up for an afternoon concert; but I will think you with me when I finally go, Rhonda.
Daniel Melton I will miss visiting the Morris and conversation and debares
Dana Beltran Rhonda is my cousin, we are twelve years apart so l didn’t get to spend too much time with her before she moved out of state. My favorite memory is getting to spend time with her and her roommates in Denton while she was attending UNT. I got to hang out with older people, it was so cool. One of her friends either owned or ran a restaurant that l remember had the best chili. I love you, Rhonda
Azalea Michel-Whitley Rhonda, we miss seeing you and I'm so grateful you chose to spend time volunteering at the Truman Library.
Glenda Wood I love you!
Dom In the short time I’ve known Rhonda she has been an absolute wealth of knowledge, kindness, and joy. It was a blast chatting about history with her, may she rest in peace.
Margie Foley Rhonda was a great volunteer at the World War I Museum! I really enjoyed volunteering with her. She was smart, witty, and very kind! Fantastic lady!
John Ochsner I volunteered with Rhonda at the WW1 museum. She always had a smile on her face and was fun to be around. She became a tour guide at the museum and she was a great guide and will be missed. Prayers to all her family
Jerry Lakey I worked with Rhonda on Sunday's at the World War l museum. Due to my health I have not been Volunteering for the past year so I was not aware of Rhonda's health issues. Needless to say I was quite shocked when I heard of her to passing. She was a very kind friendly reserved lady. I met her when she was still training at the museum. We were friends at the WWl museum. Rhonda and I were part of the regular Sunday morning volunteers. She was a very nice lady and my friend.
Bradford Nelson Bray Rhonda was a great volunteer partner at the WW1 Museum and Memorial. Always enjoyed her insights and thoughts about history and current news when we had a chance to talk. I will really miss seeing her with our volunteer group and it will not be the same without her. I will miss her good humor as well. Blessings, peace and strength to her family and friends.
Nella Mann Rhonda enhanced Sunday morning volunteering at the WW1 Museum. It was more fun when she was there. I’m going to miss talking together at the morning meeting and the pleasure of being assigned together at a post. Wishing comfort and support to her family.
Eva Hernandez I volunteered at WWI Museum and always enjoyed being in her company. She was always eager to help me and answer questions. Rhonda will be missed by all those who knew her at the WWI Museum. My sincere condolences to her family.
Peter Greenspan Comfort, I pray, for those who mourn. May Rhonda's memory be for a blessing to us all.
Jon Morris I loved her always and she was a true partner. I will miss her to the end of my days but her spirit lives on in me and all that knew her. She expressed in her final lucid days that she was glad to not have to live through another Trump presidency. Rest in peace my sweet love.
Rachel Miss you mom. Christmas without you isn't Christmas. :(


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