Rhonda Elaine Swim Johnston
June 7, 1967
January 2, 2024
Rhonda Elaine Swim Johnston, 56, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Pulaski on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. She was a beloved educator of Pulaski County Schools.
She is survived by her daughters, Jessica and Abigail Johnston; mother, Ruth Mae Wilburn; sister, Donna Batzel (John); nephews, Adam Batzel and Ben Batzel (Kelley); best friend Sandra Hill; and many other dear cousins, family and friends. Rhonda was preceded in death by her father, Donald Lee Swim.
Rhonda had a ready smile, a kind heart, and a bright and fun spirit that was contagious to be around. Many things brought her joy including hanging out with family, playing trivia games, watching old movies, and following her favorite sports teams, the Virginia Tech Hokies and the St Louis Cardinals.
Rhonda dearly loved the students she worked with, the wonderful athletes of Special Olympics, and the valued colleagues she has worked alongside for many years. Her work in education and Special Olympics filled her heart with joy. Rhonda was committed to fundraising for Special Olympics, her favorite fundraiser being the NRV Polar Plunge. For many years, Rhonda has served as team captain for the awesome Pulaski County Plungers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the annual Polar Plunge that benefits local Special Olympics. The Polar Plunge, dear to Rhonda’s heart, will be held in February, and we hope to set a record for her team’s fundraising success. Link to benefit Rhonda’s team, Pulaski County Plungers Area 9 is listed below: https://impact.specialolympicsva.org/fundraiser/5026294
The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Rhonda will be laid to rest in Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg at a private graveside service.
The Johnston family are in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
www.Mullinsfuneralhome.com
January 9, 2024 @ 11:23 am
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Rhonda for many years. She was one of the gifted and caring pare-professionals that worked with my students. They absolutely adored her and all wanted to have her for testing. She was kind, patient and loved the students she worked with.
Rhonda always brought a smile and a chuckle or two at lunch, in the break room or just passing in the hall. She was very dedicated to working with Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge was very close to her heart. She was creative in her yearly outfits her team would wear, I am sure she was instrumental in thinking up the yearly theme.
Rhonda has left a huge void in the hearts of those who loved and worked with her.
I didn’t see a lot of Rhonda since my retirement, the last time was June 2023 at a colleague’s retirement party. As always, I told her we needed to kayak down the New River. I regret we never did, I am sure the day would have been filled with her laughter over PMS memory’s of good times and tears of joy over the teaching of students we shared and their successes.
Heaven has definitely gained a new guardian angel.