Rhonda Merle Fluharty, born May 28, 1950, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, on an unseasonably warm February day that felt fitting for someone who loved the sunshine.

She is survived by her three daughters: Kimberly Mills and her husband, Howard Mills; Crystal Crowe; and Amanda Rafferty and her husband, John Rafferty. She was a proud grandmother to four grandsons—Harrison, Atlas, Sebastian, and Kurt—and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of another grandchild due in March 2026.

She was preceded in death by her longtime partner of over 20 years, Marvin Solomon, and their beloved dog, Benji.

For 24 and a half years, she served as a respiratory therapist, dedicating herself to the care of others. In the years that followed, she continued her calling as a private duty caretaker. Her patients often described her as a natural-born caregiver—compassionate, steady, and deeply attentive. Caring for others was not just her profession; it was part of who she was.

She found joy in simple comforts: the warmth of the sun, the beach, hot summer days spent sitting outside at home, and the cozy comfort of her heating blanket. Warmth, in all its forms, seemed to follow her throughout her life.

Her life was not an easy one. She faced profound challenges, including abuse and addiction, and fought battles that many never saw. But she was a survivor. Through everything, she endured. Her daughters know she did the best she could with what she had, and they carry both her strength and her lessons with them. There is comfort in believing she is now finally free — at peace, wrapped in warmth, and resting with her Creator.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Rhonda at 10am, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Family Choice Funerals and Cremations, 5401 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan House at https://samaritanhouseva.org/.