Rhonda K. (Steele) Borgelt, age 61, of Shelby, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, in her sleep at home on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Rhonda was born on April 3, 1963 in Shelby, Ohio to John E. and Evelyn L. (Cole) Steele and graduated from Shelby Senior High School in 1981. She always loved and prioritized her family in life and was known for saying, “Family always comes first.” She enjoyed many family dinners and game nights. Rhonda also loved planning trips with her husband and children and always looked for new adventures whether it was bathing elephants, going to live music and entertainment, or staying in a yurt. Rhonda felt most at home by the water and enjoyed being by Lake Erie and the ocean.
Rhonda leaves behind her husband of nearly 35 years, Duane D. Borgelt, whom she wed on May 19, 1990; children, Sarah and Joseph; parents, John Sr. and Evelyn Steele; two sisters, Rita (Ken) Moore and Anita (Roy) Stevens; her brother’s fiancé, Sarah Jordan; mother-in-law: Betty Borgelt; special friend: Karen Calino; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her youngest brother, John E. Steele Jr., and father-in-law, Jim Borgelt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5741 State Route 61, Shelby, Ohio 44875, where she was a member. Father Jeff Smith will celebrate the Mass with burial following in the church cemetery. Per Rhonda’s wishes, calling hours will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of Duane Borgelt, which will be used as a fund to benefit the arts, children’s literacy, and other organizations which were passions of Rhonda’s.
Care for Rhonda and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on her obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Rhonda’s tribute video, click the link: Rhonda’s tribute video.
We met her through the Karen Calino agency.
She was always kind and sweet with a lovely smile.
I am so sorry to hear about Rhonda. She was such a kind soul and I will never forget her. Praying for peace for the family. I love you all but special hugs to Rita. I love you girl!
John, Evelyn, Rita and families,
My heart hurts for all of you. Praying for your families and praying God will bring you His peace and comfort. May you feel Him walking with you in these difficult days. Much love to you all.
My condolences on your loss, I pray for you peace and comfort during this time of loss. May God be with you all.
Duane and family. Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of Rhonda. The coming time will be difficult but know that you are all loved and thought of. Use the memories you have and hold them tight. ❤️
So very sorry, Duane. Please know you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May the love and support of family and friends and the precious memories you’ve made over the years being you comfort and peace.
So sad to hear of Rhonda’s passing. She was such a a wonderful person and will be missed. Your family has my deepest condolences. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
My Sincere condolences to the family. I was able to enjoy lunch with Rhonda in the summer. We had a nice visit. She has always been a good friend, always funny and so pleasant to be around. Rest in peace Rhonda.
Duane, I am stunned and sorry that I can’t be there to personally give my condolences to you. I always thought you two were an adorable couple. Uncle Ed and Aunt Evelyn I can’t imagine how hard this must be on you. Prayers to the whole family for comfort from God.
Oh Dear Duane, My heart is overflowing with sorrow for you and your children. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very hard time. Cherish all the memories!! Love, Beth
I worked with Rhonda at Karen Calino Agency for some years.
She was always so kind and pleasant to work with.
She always put her family & faith above everything.
Heaven is certainly gaining an angel.
Rest easy Rhonda.
Dear Duane, Joey, & Sarah,
We are soooo sorry for your loss & soooo grateful for Rhonda’s beautiful life in our neighborhood & community….She had a smile, laugh, & heart that always beamed with happiness & love… She & you all are the best of neighbors, & we are Blest to have gotten to know you all better on our walks & bicycle rides! Rhonda was a fun person to be around…. our world is forever brightened!!
Hang tight to our Holy Trinity- Father, Son, & Holy Spirit— & to the love & care of your family & friends, Duane &family! May you all be comforted & sustained during this difficult time. Again, our condolences, “Eternal Rest grant unto Rhonda, & let Perpetual Light SHINE on her!” ♥️♥️ Love, prayers, & peace to you all,
Diane & Tom, & Metzger Family
Rhonda was so sweet and had a great laugh. There wasn’t a moment that we spoke that she didn’t ask about everyone in the family. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
Duane and family, we are so sorry to hear about Rhonda’s passing, I barely knew her but have enjoyed seeing your FB posts about your awesome trips. Our sincerely sympathy to all your family. Rhonda will certainly be missed!
Celia and Charlie Warren
Duane so sorry to read about your beloved Rhonda. May God wrap his arms around you and your family to bring you some peace and comfort.
Agape has never felt more profound as I reflect on our friendship and the experiences shared growing up in Shelby. I too feel the pain of absence. We should remember the longing for each other’s company will be expressed in tears, reminding us that all that we can no longer express or share in person, is still very much alive in our hearts.
John ,Evelyn, Rita , Anita , Duane and family,
I was shocked to read of Rhonda’s death … I remember where her family used to live across the street long time ago… I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to you all ..May God wrap his loving arms around you all during this difficult time.
Ed, Evelyn, Rita, Anita and families ..so sorry to hear of Rhonda’s passing. We both loved her dearly. She was always very kind and thoughtful. Our prayers are with you all.
Duane and family, I just spoke to your Mom Betty and told me the sad news about your wife Rhonda . I didn’t know her well ,but when I met her the first time at your Mom she was very kind. Please accept our condolence and we’ll say a prayer for the family.
To John and Evelyn and family and Duane and children:
So sorry to hear of Rhonda’s passing. This is never an easy thing and I am praying that God wraps His arms of comfort around you at this most difficult time. Love to you all..
My Heartfelt condolences to all.I met Rhonda through American Family Insurance.A sweeter person than anyone could meet.
To the whole family of Rhonda, so very sorry for your loss. She was a very kind person. Valerie and Mark Wondrash
To the entire family, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Rhonda. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To all of Rhonda’s Family: Our hearts ache for you at her untimely and unexpected passing. Your family have our most sincere thoughts of love and sympathy.
Jim and Barbara Eakins
Sarah,
Katie sent this obituary to me to read. So sorry to hear that your mom passed away. Your mom was so much fun and a great parent helper during our days of Girl Scout meetings, cookie selling, and overnights at the scout house. Take care and always remember that you are loved!
Patti Lauderbaugh & Katie (Lauderbaugh) Golden