Rhonda Martens

Rhonda Lea Martens was born to Walter and Diana Martens on August 10, 1973 in Swift Current Saskatchewan. As first time parents, we thought she exhibited all the behaviors one normally expects. She was contented, smiled, laughed, slept, ate well, enjoyed music and pictures.

However, In the months following her first birthday, we began to have concerns about her physical and mental development. In 1975, Rhonda was diagnosed with Ring Chromosome 22, a very rare condition that would affect Rhonda in all aspects, but mostly neurologically.

In the Fall of 1978, Rhonda began attending a special class in Herbert for developmentally challenged children. After 2 years, she attended  Kindergarten for 3 years. At age 11, a decision was made to place her with the grade 3 class, and from thereon she progressed together with her classmates. An individualized program to suit her needs and abilities was planned and supervised by a resource teacher  and was carried out by her teacher aides. Rhonda was included in all activities as her interests and abilities allowed. She graduated from Herbert School in 1994.

In November of 1995, Rhonda became a resident of the Herbert Group Home and remained there until the end of 2016. She enjoyed the 21 years she lived there interacting with the residents and staff.

As time passed, Rhonda’s mobility decreased  and the decision was made to have her live in the Herbert & District Integrated Facility in January 2017, where she remained until her passing on September 1, 2020.

Rhonda was predeceased by her mother, Diana; her 2 uncles and their wives, Elmer and Phyllis Martens, and Menno and Annabelle Martens.

Rhonda is survived by her father, Walter, and stepmother, Merrilyn; her brothers, Bruce (Stephanie) and their children, Sophia and Lucas; Dale (Kim) and their children, Reece, Chloe, and Jack; her uncles and aunts, Orlando and Verna Martens, Rudy and Verna Reimer, Melvin and Velma Wiens, Dan and Carol Siebert, and Ken and Elaine Isaak; and numerous cousins.

Words alone cannot express our gratitude as a family to the many people in Rhonda’s life who helped to care for her with love and compassion. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

The Graveside Service for Rhonda Martens was held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 11:30 am from the Main Centre MB Church Cemetery, Main Centre, SK with Pastor Donovan Epp officiating. “When I’m Lonely and Defenseless” and “Blessed Assurance” were sung by those in attendance under the leadership of Donovan Epp. Special music was brought by Dan and Michael Siebert, who sang “Wings of an Eagle.” Tributes were given by Walter, Bruce, and Dale Martens, and Carol Siebert. “If You Could See Me Now” was played at the end of the service, Rhonda’s family served as Pallbearers.

In memory of Rhonda Martens, donations made to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

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