Rhonda Kay (McDaniel) Bandy

Rhonda Kay Bandy, 59, of Carterville, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023, Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Dale Martin officiating.  Visitation will begin after 4:00 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. Her family asks that you wear your “Team Rhonda” shirts, scrubs, or colorful beach attire to support them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

She was born on February 18, 1964, in Terra Haute, Indiana, to Rita Kay (Kiser) and Larry Dale McDaniel Sr. Rhonda married Robert “Bob” L. Bandy on April 13, 2003, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rhonda is survived by her husband, Bob Bandy; her children, Amy Bandy (Linda Williford), Amanda (Dale) Sanders, Renee (Frank) Clark, Ryan “Moe” (Amanda) Bandy, and Abby Bandy; her grandchildren, Roper Sanders and Kellan Bandy; her parents, Larry and Rita McDaniel; her sister, Tracy (Danny) Bartok; her brothers, Larry (Michele) McDaniel and Kenny (J.J.) McDaniel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; plus many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Rhonda attended John A. Logan Community College. She was a surgical technician for S.I.H. in Herrin for 20 years. After leaving S.I.H., she worked at the Orthopedic Institute of Southern Illinois. Rhonda loved her work life and was very good at it. She often took new employees under her wing and taught them the “ins and outs” of the job. For this, she was known as “Grandma” at work, and many will tell you she could work circles around those much younger than her.

Rhonda’s go-to place was outside, next to a swimming pool, or a beach soaking up the sunshine. She loved to entertain friends around the pool or go visit her friends at their pool. She was always proud of how clean she kept her pool. She often helped her friends with their pool problems. She was always just a phone call away. Every year she would make a trip or two down to Key West. Over the years, she made many friends down there. You could walk down the street and it wasn’t uncommon for someone to speak out, “there’s Rhonda Bandy”.

Rhonda would volunteer her help with anything that she felt was a good cause. She was one that gave far more of her time to others and never asked or expected anything in return. She gave countless hours to Bob’s employment with the Laborers’ Union-working scholarship golf outings and raising money for the Therapy Center. She volunteered for a special golf outing in Bob’s hometown. Her smile and great personality would always win over a little extra donation from participants. She also spent countless hours working for political candidates she supported. Bob actually met Rhonda working on a political campaign.

Rhonda’s biggest joy came from her two grandsons. She absolutely loved them with all her heart. Rest assured she will continue to keep an eye on those two.

There will be no Graveside Service. Everyone is welcome to come to the Herrin KC Hall (213 N. 16th Street, Herrin, IL) for lunch following the funeral service and share many stories about this amazing woman as we continue to celebrate her life.

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