Rhonda Jane (DeReu) Deitrick, 69, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2026, surrounded by her daughters, who were the pride and joy of her life. She faced her battle with cancer as she did everything else, with a courageous heart and a spirit that refused to be dimmed. Rhonda’s story began on August 30, 1956, in Pipestone, Minnesota, born to Rodney and Mary DeReu. (“Sister #3”) She grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school before beginning a life defined by service and family. In 1979, she enlisted in the U.S. Army—it was during her service that she met the love of her life, Robert Deitrick. They were married on January 15, 1982, in Newport News, Virginia, and eventually settled in Mediapolis, Iowa, to raise their three beautiful daughters. Rhonda was a woman of remarkable spunk and a famously contagious laugh.
She was a true force of nature. She was defined by her “get it done” attitude, her meticulous list-making, and a creative, strong-willed spirit. Her career path was as adventurous as she was—from managing the Burlington Golf Club, owning her own restaurant, and providing compassionate care for others in the community and local nursing homes. She gave her heart to her work. She eventually retired from Shearer’s to provide care for her husband, Rob. Rhonda was happiest with the sun on her face and the grass between her toes. She spent her best days lounging by her pool, tending to her flowers barefoot, or finding peace on the trails of Geode State Park. Above all else, she was the ultimate “Granny.” Her grandchildren were her world; she lived to spoil them with sleepovers, endless adventures, and unconditional love and support. While her trademark stubbornness meant she rarely allowed others to care for her, her life was a beautiful masterclass in caring for everyone else.
She is survived by her three daughters, Jennifer (Chuck) Reid and Angela Deitrick of Burlington, and Samantha (Lance) Jones of Mediapolis. Her seven grandchildren: Braden, Jakson, and Bryce Reid, Autumn and Julian Swank, and Colton and Brayden Jones. Her siblings: “sister #1” Gayle (Kent) Johnson, “sister #2” Marcia DeReu, “sister #4” Linda (Scott) Marshall, “sister #5” Brenda (Rick) Guse, “sister #6” Sharon (Scott) Ries, and her " one and only" brother, Greg (Sue) DeRue, and “sister #7” Lisa Rylander. Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a lifetime of friends that will deeply miss her energetic soul and compassionate heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rodney and Mary, her beloved husband Rob, and her dearest friend Dale Steward.
A celebration of Rhonda’s beautiful life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Harmony Bible Church in Burlington, Iowa. A luncheon gathering will follow immediately at the church; all who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and share their favorite memories.