Rhonda Alisia Claudius

Rhonda Alisia Claudius, 53, passed away following her courageous battle with cancer on January 9, 2016, surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Draper, Utah. In memoriam, a life-remberance gathering will be held at 4pm, Saturday, January 23, at 1020 East Quarry Park Drive in Sandy, Utah. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to No More Homeless Pets of Utah. Rhonda Alisia Rosas Claudius was born September 3, 1962 in Chicago, IL, to Jeanette Valentine Syslo. Rhonda admitted that most of her childhood was spent doing things that “sounded like a good idea at the time.” In the mid-80's, her sky-high hair attracted the attention of a young, gangly man who would become her loving and devoted husband of 27 years. As a full-time Mom, Rhonda completed requirements and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1993. Had computers been as common back then, she may not have completed her degree as learning how to "work the YouTunes" was a technological feat for her. Without a doubt, her favorite activity was raising her two daughters who quickly exhausted her and ruined her memory over the years. This problem persisted so much that her doctor prescribed her memory-enhancing pills, except that she forgot to take them. Her love for children was limitless and, as such, she was asked to serve on the Kansas Advisory Board for Early Childhood Education. Rhonda loved living next to the Wasatch mountains, watching Turner Classic Movies, naming each member of the neighborhood quail family, and detailing her future plans to own two donkeys. Rhonda was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanette V. Higgins, and her father, Peter T. Higgins. Rhonda is survived by her husband of 27 years, John, and her two daughters, Rachel and Grace, and her sisters, Natalie and Nicole, and niece Roxanne, as well as many other relatives who loved her dearly. Rhonda let her light shine to everyone she met and more than most remarked of a joyful experience for having had known her. Her light is dimmed for a time but our hope will be to experience that light again some day. Rhonda looked forward to being with her family again in the future as well as serving her God. Until that time comes, her family will miss her every day and will continue to honor her legacy with love and laughter.

Rhonda Alisia Claudius

September 3, 1962 - January 9, 2016