Rhonda Kay (Kenton) Martell
MILFORD - Rhonda Kay Martell went to her final resting place in Heaven on January 24, 2016 after a courageous three and a half year battle with cancer. She was 54.
Rhonda was born on Aug. 23, 1961 in Milford to Richard Herbert Kenton, Sr. and the late Ruth Naomi Hollinger Kenton.
At an early age, Rhonda began a life of service through her involvement in the Houston Cardinals 4-H Club, where she won several county and state awards. Rhonda’s mother served as a 4-H leader, which inspired Rhonda to commit her life’s work to the Delaware 4-H Program. Rhonda was a member of the Milford High School class of 1979, where she graduated one year early to begin her bachelor’s degree studies. She ultimately obtained her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Wilmington University.
Rhonda met her devoted husband, Ron, in 1980 where she began the next chapter of her life as a military spouse. The two were able to see much of Europe together when Ron was stationed at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany and Rhonda served as a school teacher. After returning to the United States, Rhonda pursued a career in banking and soon began the job of which she was most proud: becoming a mother to Kayla in 1988.
Over the years, Rhonda gave her heart and talents in many capacities through local organizations such as the Diamond Dance Company, Junior Achievement, Girl Scouts and the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization as well as the Kent County Links and the Kent County Leaders Association where she served as a former President.
Her passion for service resulted in her decision to pursue a career in serving youth through Delaware 4-H, to which she devoted the last sixteen years of her life. Rhonda directed several 4-H youth programs in Kent and Sussex Counties. Her proudest achievement was building the Delaware Operation: Military Kids Program within the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension for which she was recognized several times nationally and named a Delmarvalous Woman in 2011.
Rhonda will be remembered for her limitless commitment to serving her community and her willingness to help any one in need. She hoped to be remembered foremost as a proud mother who played an integral role in the life of her daughter Kayla. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and courage for all who were a part of her life.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Raymond Ronald Martell; her daughter, Kayla Martell and her husband Kevin Gillis, Jr.; her anticipated grandson expected in February; her siblings, Richard Herbert Kenton, Jr., and Regina Kenton Farnsworth and their spouses; as well as aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, many cousins and all of her 4-H family.
A private funeral service and interment have been scheduled for the family. A public Celebration of Life Memorial Service for all who loved Rhonda will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Please check social media and the Rogers Funeral Home Website for details.