Rhonda Durfee

Rhonda Lynn Durfee

May 01, 1963 - December 26, 2014



Those who knew Rhonda Lynn Durfee could not help but be moved by her graciousness, inspired by her warmth and humility, and touched by her caring and generous soul. Those who didn't know her would no doubt be welcomed as if they were a lifelong friend. She only saw the good in people, and her positivity, sincerity and compassion were limitless. Her sense of humor was underrated and devious. She will be missed, but remembered eternally.



Rhonda was born on May 1st 1963, the second daughter of Don & Elsie McGhee. She, along with her younger brother Kevin, completed the McGhee family. Rhonda grew up on a farm just south of Buhl, Idaho; there she was encouraged to imagine, explore, be kind and compassionate, to love, laugh, and most of all, be happy. She especially loved animals and had many pets throughout her life. Rhonda attended school in Buhl and was a good student. She cultivated a lifelong passion for reading she would pass on to her children.



In 1980 Rhonda started her own family. She met Tom Wiggs just before her 18th birthday and soon after they married. Her oldest son, Thomas Jason, was born in 1981 and just a short time later, in 1982, Joshua Robert came to be. 6 years later her youngest son, Matthew Scott, was born. As Rhonda proudly watched her boys grow she would also become a fixture in the Castleford community, for years babysitting many of the small town's children along with her own.



Outside of being a loving mother and wife, Rhonda worked at a few different positions with Rangens, Inc. in Buhl before settling into their Transportation division for a number of years. She would later go to work for Farmers National Bank in Twin Falls, a place she greatly enjoyed working at. In all of her jobs she was a valued and trusted employee and friend. Rhonda also loved tending to her many plants, which filled her home and workplace and would brighten everyone's day.



In the spring of 2005 Rhonda would marry her loving husband and soul mate Mark Durfee. They combined families and shared their home in Buhl. Rhonda and Mark enjoyed music and concerts, traveling, visiting family, watching their grandchildren, their many pets, but most of all, each other. Together, they found comfort, laughter, and fulfillment.



Rhonda's passion in life was her family. Her husband, their combined eight children and many grandchildren, her parents and brother, and her many pets were the focal point of any conversation you had with her. Rhonda reveled with pride in the adventures and accomplishments of her family. She held on to her memories and experiences fondly, and would constantly ask how those in her life were doing, no matter the time or distance between them. She genuinely cared about everyone, without pretense or expectation, and was the embodiment of selflessness and compassion. She comforted us all and made us better people.



Rhonda passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of December 26, 2014 after spending a bustling, wonderful, and joyous Christmas Day with her family at her home.



Rhonda joins her grandparents and beloved father Don McGhee. She is survived by her adoring husband Mark Durfee (Buhl), her children TJ and his fiancé Kate, Josh and his fiancé Laurie, Matt and his girlfriend Stephanie; her stepchildren Ben and Shannon Durfee, Matt Durfee, Nate and Keni Durfee, Breann Durfee, and McKenzie Durfee; her grandchildren Austin, Zeik, Rowan, Jackson, Lucas, and Peyton; her niece Alesha, her mother Elsie McGhee and her brother Kevin McGhee. She leaves behind a lifetime of family and friends, and a legacy of memories.



We will gather and join to celebrate Rhonda's life on Saturday, January 10th at the 8th Street Community Center in Buhl, Idaho, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local community shelter, food bank, or Humane Society in Rhonda's memory and spirit.