Rhonda Lee Neis

Rhonda L. Bilden - Neis of Port Orchard, WA was born December 21, 1959 and passed away April 12, 2018 peacefully in her family home.

She was born in Bremerton to Jerry and Vicki Bilden and graduated from West High School in 1978.

Rhonda had a love for all people but her passion was nurturing and teaching children. She spent 30 years as a preschool educator and helped to mold and care for countless children in the early years of their lives. Even after retiring she would relive and retell stories about “her kids” and the activities and special moments she shared with them. It was her life’s purpose and something she was very proud to do.

She was a loving selfless person who would put together care packages in her trunk for the homeless, take in and feed any and all types of animals, and care for sick family and friends even though she herself battled illness. Rhonda always looked at life and her health battles as “cup half full” never “half empty” She was never a victim of life’s circumstances that were out of her control, but instead always found the positive in every situation and encouraged others to do the same in their life. If there were more people that cared for others the way she did, were as selfless as she was, and had her perspective and understanding of what truly matters in this life, the world would be much different.

The biggest joy in Rhonda’s life was being a Nana. There are no words to do justice for how much she loved her grandchildren. She was the Nana that was always stashing and bringing them coloring books, crayons, pajamas, clothes, toys, treats and countless other things. Having sleepovers whenever she could. Calling to talk on the phone with them about the little things that were happening in their life. Singing and playing with them. Making them all feel special and so loved. They gave her so much happiness and she did the same for them. Liam, Abel, Alanna, Aria and Avarie are blessed to have her as their Nana and they loved her just as fiercely. We will keep her memory alive in them always.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her long time companion, James Sebastian in 2015.

She is survived by her parents Jerry and Vicki Bilden; Grandma; Wanda Lamb-Carmean; Children; Tj (Jackie) Neis, Ryan (Rachelle) Neis, Nicole Sebastian; Siblings; Dean (Tracy) Bilden, Debbie (Jim) Minard; Grandchildren; Alanna Neis, Aria Neis, Avarie Neis, Liam Neis and Abel Neis.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Long Lake Community Center 5100 Long Lake Road SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366