Rhonda C. Barker

Rhonda (Haney) Barker, 63, of Fairborn, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, October 13, 2025 from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. She was born on October 24, 1961 in Huntington, West Virginia to the late Patricia (Carson) Haney. Although, due to Patricia’s untimely passing, Rhonda was raised from birth by her maternal grandparents, the late Tom and Myrtle Cook. She always considered them to be her “Mom and Pop,” and she had countless memories and stories to share of growing up with them in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

After graduating from Point Pleasant High School in 1979, Rhonda began what would turn into a life-long career in the administrative sector of law enforcement. Her professional journey began in Point Pleasant with the West Virginia State Police. After making the move to Ohio, she spent many years with the Fairborn Police Department, where she met so many lifelong friends that she loved like family. After leaving Fairborn PD in 2004, she continued her journey with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO). Rhonda celebrated 20 years of service with the GCSO in December of last year, and she was still employed at the time of her passing. Throughout those years with the County, she held multiple titles and earned several awards/commendations, but her favorite part of the job was the family she became part of there. Her work family meant so very much to her.

Thinking of her life spent in Ohio, one might wonder why she would have moved so far from her home in West Virginia? The decision was easily made after meeting, falling in love with, and marrying the love of her life, Michael (Mike) Barker. Mike and Rhonda shared a beautiful life, celebrating 40 years together in September of this year. They were the perfect pair, sharing common values, but proving that “opposites do attract” by being just different enough to bring out the best in each other. The first 9 years of their marriage were spent with just the two of them, but in 1994, God answered their prayers and gave them the final puzzle piece for the Barker household, with the birth of their daughter (princess) Paige. While this addition surely gave Mike a permanent headache…it also gave Rhonda a best friend and partner in crime. She and Paige did just about everything together and their bond as mother and daughter was truly unrivaled.

Even more than the love she had for her family and friends, Rhonda had love for the Lord. She was a member of Faith Hill Church of God, where she had been the pianist for many years. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, and she used her talent to praise and worship God, whether that was by singing at church, visiting other churches to sing with her friends and family that shared her talent, or just singing with the radio in the car. Her voice was almost angelic, and hearing her singing is something those close to her will surely miss.

Rhonda had a huge variety of interests and hobbies that enriched her life. She loved watching crime shows with her family, always looking for any re-runs from any of their favorite series. In the summer months, in the weather permitted, any free time she had was spent lounging in her pool. She cherished her beloved dog, Macy Lynn, loving her like a second child. She truly relished spending precious moments with her family, creating lasting memories that they will surely cherish forever, especially now in her absence.

In addition to her parents, Rhonda was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Dorothy (Perry) and Walter Barker; and a nephew, Jobe Haney. Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Michael; her only child, Paige M. Barker; brother, Leonard (Rhonda) Haney; brother-in-law, Steven (Jan) Barker; nieces and nephews, Kayla, Lorna (Alan), and Michael; her best friend, Marcia Bostick; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday October 19, 2025 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, where a funeral service will be held on Monday October 20, 2025 at 10:30 AM, officiated by Pastor Steve Wagoner and Bro. Bob LeMaster. Burial will follow at the Byron Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Cincinnati Health Foundation at www.UCHealth.com/donate or Michael's House Child Advocacy Center at www.MichaelsHouseCAC.org.

Rhonda will be deeply missed, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and the steadfast love she had for her family, friends, and God.