Rhonda Ciereman

The most beautiful, gentle of spirits are often the most cherished, the most loved, and the most fleeting. There is much about this world we do not understand, nor are we meant to; we must rely on love and faith to guide us. Rhonda Creegan was a woman so full of both, of love and faith, such a gentle, compassionate spirit. She was here with us so briefly, yet left such a lasting imprint, a gift we will truly cherish forever. The year was 1970, and America was a country in so much turmoil in so many facets of our culture. The Vietnam Conflict was at its peak, showing us some of the worst of human nature, while Apollo 13's fateful launch reminded us that together, we can overcome anything. On May 6th, a warm spring Wednesday, Rhonda Creegan was born, arriving three months early, so anxious to make her mark on the world. She came home just short of a month later, beginning an incredible journey ... one that would impact every person she came in contact with. Tenacious from the start, Rhonda set out to change the world nearly from birth. And she did - did she ever. Her enthusiastic personality and engaging smile captured the hearts of her parents and continued to do the same for all those whose lives she touched over the years. Rhonda was such a fun-loving, active child, traits she carried her whole life. She loved to ride her "sit and spin" and tear up the sidewalk with her "green machine," setting the world a whirl even as a little girl. Casting her sister Jenny in skits to entertain their parents during Christmas and Easter, or just for fun, Rhonda always "took charge" and was determined to make sure everyone was entertained and that every special occasion was celebrated. Rhonda not only made sure people were entertained, but also encouraged. Her whole life was about making people happy and including everyone in "the party of her life." Family and friends, the relationships with those she loved, were the most important things in life to Rhonda, and there was no one Rhonda met that didn't become an instant friend. Rhonda loved no matter what and invited you into her heart, and it was a huge heart that made room for everyone. Laughing, fellowship, and friends, are what made Rhonda happiest. But the ultimate joy of her life truly was being a reflection of Jesus, who she loved with her whole heart. Rhonda graduated from Tri-Unity Christian High School in 1988. After graduation Rhonda spent four years at YWAM (Youth With A Mission), anxious to spread the Word. She traveled as a missionary and touched lives around the world in places like Israel, Spain, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. From there, Rhonda went on to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy from Grand Valley State University, giving her a chance to continue her life's work of helping others, and touching their lives in meaningful ways. She began working with cognitively-impaired adults and the handicapped, planning special events, and running camps in the summer at Pioneer Trails on Big Blue Lake north of Muskegon. She also worked with AMBUCS and the LARK club. Her sole purpose was that of enriching the lives of these special individuals; making available events and outings that would not otherwise be available to them, and giving them the same sense of happiness she carried in her heart each day. More than anything, Rhonda's life's work was people. Soon, though, she would find her life's love. Rhonda met a wonderful man named Fred Ciereman in the winter of 2002, on a blind date set up by a friend. It started so simply: They went bowling. Truth be told, Rhonda didn't even want to go. Yet it took just that one blind date to open their eyes wide to each other, and a blink later, it seems, they were married. Fred says today "I met Rhonda, married her three times, had a son, and all in 367 days." That's how quickly it all happened. Their son, Joshua Taylor Ciereman, was the essence of love for Rhonda, and she was naturally an awesome, wonderful mother. She loved caring for him, and instilling that same "joy of the Lord" she possessed in her little "Joshey." She was full of patience, full of love and joy, and was completely devoted to raising a son that would some day become a "Mighty Man of God." Josh bears far more than Rhonda's love of the Lord, though. Her amazing smile can be seen today on the face of her "little man." Married almost three years and expecting another child in October, Rhonda's life, although short, had lasting impact that will not be forgotten. There is so much about this world we do not understand, but this much we do: Rhonda was a gift for her brief time with us, a gift we will love, cherish and remember forever. She will be so greatly missed. Mrs. Rhonda Evelyn "Ronnie" (Creegan) Ciereman, age 35, and her unborn child, died tragically Saturday, April 8, 2006 in a car accident. She was born in Kalamazoo, MI on May 6, 1970 to H. Joe Creegan and Carol (Koches) Creegan. She was a member of Resurrection Life Church in Grandville, MI. SURVIVORS: Husband, Frederick; son, Joshua at home; parents, H. Joe Creegan (Carla) of Clearwater, FL; mother, Carol Creegan of Pinellas Park, FL; mother-in-law, Lyda Ciereman; grandmothers, Alma Koches and Frances Creegan; sister, Jennifer (Greg) Woods of Charlotte, NC; 2 sisters-in-law, Gloria Jewell and Nancy (Robert) Monroe both of Virginia Beach, VA; brother-in-law, Jeff Jewell of Ferrysburg, MI. Rhonda was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Hugh J. Creegan and William Koches.