Rhonda Kaye Smith, 66, of Defiance, formerly of Bucyrus, peacefully passed away on July 14, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 18, 1959 to Roy and Mary (Boak) Hostetler in Massillon, OH. She graduated from Marion Catholic High School. Rhonda worked in food service for most of her life. She was a manager at Taco Bell in Bucyrus, OH for 23 years. Most recently, she worked at CVS in Bradenton, FL part time after retiring from Taco Bell. Rhonda was beloved by all her customers at Taco Bell and CVS over the years.

Rhonda loved spending time with her family, traveling and going on adventures especially to her place on Lake Erie. The entire family would gather for weekends spent camping, boating, cooking out, fishing and of course going to garage sales bright and early on Saturday mornings. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting and making jewelry. Rhonda absolutely loved going to garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores. She was always looking for the best bargains especially on Black Friday when she would stay up all night searching for great deals ending with breakfast in the morning at the Marion Diner.

Rhonda was the life of every party making friends everywhere she went. She was a loyal friend and would do anything to help anyone out. She was best known for her fiery personality and earned the nickname "Red" as a result. She loved dancing, watching and listening to live music. She was an avid rider of Harley Davidson motorcycles and was always on the go. Rhonda was a beloved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be missed by all who were loved so fiercely by her.

Left to cherish Rhonda's memory are her children, Charity (David) Meuleman, Mandi (Steve) Swartz, Seth (Kylie Salisbury) Smith; grandchildren, Ethan (Kayley) Alberty, Devin (Fae Hardy) Swartz, Grace Meuleman, and Benjamin Meuleman; great-grandchildren, Addalynn, Amaya and Amora Alberty; brothers, Ron (Montez) Hostetler and Randy (Sharon) Hostetler; nieces, nephews, many cousins and her best dog, Weezy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mary Hostetler.

There will be a celebration of life held at a later date. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.