Rhonda Jean Dillow Willette

Rhonda Jean Dillow Willette, age 69, of Rural Retreat, VA passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Bland County, VA on June 7, 1956 to the late Roy Woodson Dillow and Thurleen Pruitt. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Paul Joseph Willette, Sr.

Rhonda was an exceptional mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She lived by the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated, always extending kindness and grace to those around her. She was a woman of great integrity, a remarkable role model for all who knew her, and lived according to the teachings of Jesus. She was also a source of infinite wisdom and continuous guidance for her children and granddaughter.

Rhonda’s love for animals was shown in many ways, from rescuing dogs from shelters to advising her children how to care for their own animals, as well as caring for all animals in need of nurture and love. There has surely been a delightful reunion with her pets that were waiting for her across the Rainbow Bridge!

She also loved cooking delicious meals for her family, with notable favorites including macaroni and cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes, and spaghetti. She enjoyed making tasty desserts such as preacher cookies and quick fudge. She was also a huge fan of coffee and could be found with a freshly brewed cup of Folgers just about any time of the day or night.

Since her passing, many of Rhonda’s relatives and dearest friends have reached out to her children, expressing their condolences and how much they miss her daily posts of beautiful pictures and inspirational messages. She lived to spread joy, humor, and encouragement.

Rhonda is survived by her children, Dr. Anthony Bradshaw of Tampa, FL, Amy Brown and husband Chris of Wytheville, VA, Kristen Bradshaw and fiancé Stacy Lineberry of Speedwell, VA; granddaughter Kaleigh Brown of Wytheville, VA; sisters Linda Dillow Gordon and husband Randall of Cantonment, FL, Debby Dillow Pennington and Danny Cline of Rural Retreat, VA, Angela Dillow Cordle of Pulaski, VA; nieces and nephews, Matthew Hicks, Billy Pennington, Loryn Shelton, Tyler Harrison, and Chad Cordle, as well as many great nieces and nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Highland Bland Funeral Chapel with the Pastor Will Shewey officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until service time. Burial will follow at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Morning Star Cemetery in Bland, VA with Pastor Geary “Shug” Jonas officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Smyth Animal Rescue; 182 Rafton Rd, Marion, VA 24354.

Highland Bland Funeral Chapel is serving the Willette family.