Rhonda Allen Duck, 54, of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, finished a long battle against cancer at her home on Sunday, December 16, surrounded by her family. She claimed her reservation in heaven and is now in the presence of her Savior.
Rhonda was born March 21st 1958 to Steve and Loretta Allen in Hixson, Tn. She graduated from Hixson High School in 1976 and from Chattanooga State Community College's dental program in 1981 with high honors. She was active in the Third District Dental Hygiene Society, serving as president and Tennessee State Delegate. Due to her hard work many improvements in dental hygienists’ skill training and work environments were initiated statewide.
Rhonda enjoyed her family, traveling, photography, painting and ceramics. When asked if she would ever complete her ceramic duck collection, she would laugh and say, “No! I love them.” She was lucky to meet and marry her very own duck, the love of her life, Joe Duck, and she soon crowned her collection with the light of her life, her daughter, Alyssa.
An active parent, Rhonda contributed many volunteer hours to her local church and to Chattanooga Christian School, where her daughter attended. Even through her fight with cancer, she was an active presence and inspiration in her daughter's life and loved spending time with her and watching her grow. Rhonda's deep faith in Christ and love for her family gave her a strength and faith that were a blessing to all she met. Her fight was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Her contagious smile and laughter will never be duplicated. She touched everyone she knew with her compassion and with the bountiful faith and love that sustained her through her fight against cancer. We have been incredibly blessed by her presence in our lives.
She is survived by husband, Joe Duck, daughter, Alyssa Duck, mother, Loretta Allen and brother, Barry Allen. Rhonda's father, Steve Allen, preceded her in death.
The family will hold a visitation on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 1-4:30 p.m. with a funeral service directly following at 4:30 p.m. at Legacy Funeral Home in Soddy Daisy, with Dr. Ken Duggan officiating. A graveside service and burial will be held at Doe Creek Cemetery near Scotts Hill, Tn., on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Nashville, or Hospice of Chattanooga.
Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.
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