Rhonda LeGate peacefully departed this world Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at her home in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in the loving care of her family.

Rhonda was born in Henderson, Kentucky, in 1953. She graduated from Henderson County High School and attended Western Kentucky University.

She moved to Idyllwild when her daughter Mimi attended Idyllwild Arts Academy. It was there she met her husband, Rick.

Rhonda and Rick moved to the island of Fiji and enjoyed life in their beautiful tropical home. She was a master artist of portraiture and a talented singer/songwriter.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her daughter Emily (Mimi) LeGate; her parents C. B. West and Sarah Smithhart West; and Rolland Ferguson.

Rhonda is survived by husband Rick Bambarger; son Eli LeGate and his wife Jesse Belle; Eli’s father Bob (Robin) LeGate; her stepchildren Dana and Sean; and a large extended family.

The family wants to acknowledge and thank some of the many special people who provided incredible love and care over the last few years, including Linda Rae Politz, Becky Keach, Mark and Holly Vickers, Leslie Parker, Dan and Liz Baker, Terri Kibbons, Dr. Vivian Cook of Evansville, Indiana, Dr. Stephen Mayer of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and numerous other family and friends who brought her joy and happiness. There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.

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