Ronda Jean Newhouse

Ronda Jean Newhouse was born on a beautiful fall day, September 12, 1970, in Crookston, Minnesota, to Ron Newhouse and Jean E. (Abeld) Newhouse.  She left us on another beautiful day, October 7, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, with her parents by her side.

Ronda is survived by her father, Ron Newhouse; and her mother and stepfather Jean E. and Rick McAndrew, all of Hermiston, Oregon.

Ronda is also survived by her sister Kelly Newhouse, and her husband Jose Medina, of Florida.

She is also survived by paternal aunts and uncles, Patty Melancon and her late husband, Joe; Greg Newhouse and his late wife, Maxine "Mickie"; and Tim Newhouse.

Her surviving maternal aunts and uncles include James and Carol Abeld, Carol Abeld and her late husband, John; Mary Lizotte and her late husband, Doug; and Carol and Gordy Royal.

She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Linda Newhouse.

Ronda entered this world with many physical health challenges and fought courageously for 56 years.  Tough and a true fighter, Ronda still found joy in life whenever she could. She loved dolphins, watching The Golden Girls, playing computer games, and visiting with anyone who had a good joke or story to share. Known for her contagious laugh and wonderful sense of humor, she also found joy in listening to music, singing, and sipping Coke Zero.

She had a flair for wild colors, bold prints, and anything that sparkled or glittered. A trip to the coast was always a special treat, even more so once beach wheelchairs became available.

Ronda will be missed and loved forever. We're certain there was a closet full of sparkling dancing shoes waiting for her as she passed through the gates. Now free from the physical challenges she faced so courageously in life, she is walking, dancing, running, and doing all the things she always dreamed of.

Ronda’s family will honor her privately. No services are planned. Her family will scatter ashes at a future date.

Memorial contributions in Ronda’s honor may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital - www.shrinerschildrens.org or Gillette Children’s - www.gillettechildrens.org.

Please share memories of Ronda with her family at the Burns Mortuary of Hermiston website - www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.