Rhonda L. Hildenbrand

Rhonda L. Hildenbrand, 56, of Lecompton, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a lengthy battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was born November 25, 1955 in Great Falls, MT, the daughter of Alvin and Naida Humphrey Swallow.

She graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 1973. Rhonda was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years before retiring due to her health. She served as President for the APWU Local No. 6862.

Rhonda married Rex T. Childers in 1974. They were divorced. She later married Richard L. "Gus" Hildenbrand on May 29, 1994 in Stull. He preceded her in death on June 25, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her father, Alvin, on August 28, 2008.

Survivors include one daughter, Rachel L. (Cecil) Childers-North of Lecompton, one son, Riley "Bubba" W. Childers of Lecompton, two granddaughters, Addison and Elizabeth, her mother, Naida Swallow of Lawrence, and her sister, Landra G. Harwood of Lawrence. Other survivors include her niece, Michelle R. (Ron) Barnes of Meriden and their three sons, Trey, Thaddeaus and Taelur, and one nephew, Tanner Harwood of Ignacio, CO.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Stull United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Stull Cemetery. The family requests that those attending the service honor Rhonda by wearing something containing the color, orange. Rhonda will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to the Stull United Methodist Church, 251 N. 1600th Rd., Lecompton, KS 66050.