Rhonda Jean (Wisdom-Smith) Gilbert of Rolla/St. James Missouri passed away peacefully at her home on June 11, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and Heartland Hospice staff, concluding her twelve-year journey with illness. Through-out her battle, Rhonda exemplified grace and positivity that inspired everyone fortunate to know her.

Rhonda was born on December 22, 1961 to Robert (Bob) and Dorothy Juanita (Adams) Wisdom in Rolla Missouri. Rhonda devoted much of her career to the wellbeing of others working diligently for many years in the Nutrition and Administration fields. She loved her career choices deeply, embracing the challenges of managing complex schedules and ensuring that the varied needs of those in her care were met with unwavering attention and kindness.

A graduate of John F. Hodge High School in St. James, Missouri, Rhonda carried the values of dependability and sincerity of every aspect of her life. Known for being fun to visit with and a no-fuss individual, she was a person who went to great lengths to support others, always putting their needs before her own. Her genuine nature and affectionate spirit especially shown through her love for family and grandchildren, with whom she shared countless cherished moments with. Rhonda had great talent and love for cooking and her animals, including barrel racing, and numerous family events with her brother Richard Wisdom, including trail riding, and tried to match her sister Roberta’s water-skiing skills. In the later years she had to keep her corn in stock to feed the numerous deer that continued to visit her daily, including two sets of twin deer she fed and watched grow up together, and her seed out for her chipmunks and squirrels.

Rhonda’s family remembers her as a pillar of strength and dedication. She is survived by her children, Jason Troy Smith of Rolla Missouri, Jessica Nichole Smith and Fiancé’ Gary Davenport of Moberly Missouri, son Bradley (Levell) Gilbert of Moberly Missouri, First husband, James Edward Smith of Dixon Missouri, grandsons Edgar Nathaniel Davenport of Moberly Missouri and Brenan Lynn (Jade) Kean of Kansas City Missouri. Granddaughter Jaicie Lynn Smith and partner Wyatt Ertl of Bourbon Missouri. Great grandchildren, Lettie Kay Francis Ertl, Rogan Fletcher Ertl of Bourbon Missouri. Sister Roberta (Wisdom) Scheider of Rolla, brothers Roger Dale (Robyn) Wisdom of Ashland Missouri, Randall Lynn Wisdom of Belle Missouri, Aunts Dolly Mounce, Betty Rinehart, Kathy (Rochelle) Adams and Susan (Adams) Neidert all of St. James Missouri, Sister-Law Susie (Gilbert) Hilman of Saint James Missouri, as well as numerous extended family members including nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph (Joe) Wayne Gilbert, her parents, paternal grandparents Clarence E. and Mary (Roark) Wisdom, maternal grandparents Frank Adams, Opal (Self-Adams) Maddox, Great Grand Parents Earl and Alice Self, Great Great Grandmother Dunie Bell McBride, brother Richard Wisdom, Niece Anita Wisdom, Nephew Robert (Robby) Scheider, Great Niece Elizabeth Laine Scheider, Great Niece Gracie Meiss , Uncles Gene Wisdom, Larry Henson, Jesse Rinehart, Robert (Bob) Mounce, Aunt Rose Henson, Ex-In-laws Goldie Giddens and Louis (Cotton) Smith. Her passing marks the loss of a steadfast and generous soul whose life was defined by devotion to family and community alike.

The memory of Rhonda Jean Gilbert remains a blessing to those that had the honor of knowing her. Her compassionate service of her caring heart left an incredible mark on the lives she touched, embodying a life lived with purpose and love.

The family would like to express the utmost gratitude to the caring and loving staff of Heartland Hospice of Washington Missouri and Larry of Oxy Care Medical and Supply Company for their unconditional and loving care provided to Rhonda and her family through her journey.

Visitation for Rhonda Jean Gilbert will be 10:00 AM Friday, June 19, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, June 19, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home with Jason T. Smith officiating her celebration of life.

Pallbearers will be Bradley (Levell) Gilbert, Edgar Davenport, Randall Wisdom, Willy and Billy Scheider, and Wyatt Ertl. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Davenport, David, Justin, & Jeremy Frazier, Nicholas Scheider, and Junior Meadows.

Donations can be made to Jones Funeral Home or Heartland Hospice of Washington Missouri.

Online condolences and floral offering at JonesFunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri