Rhonda Yates

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Rhonda Sue Bergman-Yates, age 66, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on September 24, 2026.

Rhonda was born on December 15, 1959, in Joplin, Missouri, to Gilbert Ronald "Ron' Bergman and Dixie Sue (Sharp) Bergman. She graduated from Liberal High School with the Class of 1978. On August 11, 2006, Rhonda married James Luther Yates in Miami, Oklahoma.

Rhonda spent many years working as a cook at Cox Barton County Hospital, where she found joy in serving others through her work. But her greatest role in life was being a mother to her two sons. Rhonda made it her mission to make sure her boys were always taken care of. Whatever it took, she found a way.

Right or wrong, conventional or unconventional, easy or difficult, Rhonda did what she believed needed to be done for the people she loved. Her sons never had to wonder whether Mom was in their corner—she was there, ready to fight for them at all costs. And when we say Rhonda was protective, we mean it. She wasn't afraid to stand up, speak her mind, or, on occasion, take matters into her own hands. There is even a true story involving Rhonda, an ex-husband, and her car that proves she wasn't always a woman of empty threats. That was Rhonda.

She loved hard, fought hard, and protected the people she loved even harder. Rhonda was never concerned with being perfect. What mattered to her was making sure her family was okay. Sometimes that meant doing things the right way, and sometimes it meant doing things Rhonda's way. Either way, if Rhonda loved you, you had someone willing to go to battle for you.

Behind that toughness was a mother whose actions came from an enormous love for her family. Her two sons were always a priority, and she did everything within her power—and occasionally perhaps a little beyond it—to make sure they had what they needed. Her love was fierce, unwavering, and unmistakable, and those who knew her best will remember her for the strength with which she loved and protected her family.

Survivors include her two sons, Josh (Wendy) Myers of Webb City, Missouri, and Ryan (Sarah) Myers of Ozark, Missouri; one brother, Randy Bergman of Iantha, Missouri; and six grandchildren, Eirelyn, Killian, Finnigan, Myla, Darby, and Maewyn.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Ron and Dixie.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Kneeland Center in Liberal, Missouri. This will be a come-and-go celebration, and family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested and may be made payable to the Lamar Animal Shelter in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.