Rhonda Caryl Whisnand DeLay

FERRIS, Texas - Rhonda Caryl Whisnand DeLay, 46, died April 18, 2005, at a hospital in Texas, surrounded by family and friends, after a short battle with cancer. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Old House Café, 412 S. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand.

Ms. DeLay graduated from DeLand High School in 1976 and attended Daytona Beach Community College for two years.

A homemaker, she was also a substitute teacher and moved to this area in 1965 from her birthplace of Dallas.

Ms. DeLay's most precious treasure in life was her son, John Taylor, whom she loved more than anything else. The last word she was able to speak was his name.

Even though she knew her battle with cancer was going to be short, tough and cruel, she maintained a positive attitude and encouraged others not to be sad about her condition. She never felt sorry for herself and only feared how her departure would impact her son.

In her final days, Ms. DeLay was surrounded by family and friends. Three of her childhood friends, Jill Hoblick, Libby Downer and Lynne Coffey, flew from Florida to be at her side, and they were a great comfort to her and her family. She also valued her friendship with Kym Lindsey, who could not be with Ms. DeLay due to her pregnancy. Ms. DeLay was visited and loved by many friends.

She loved animals of all kinds and enjoyed horseback riding and scuba diving. Many recall her zest for life and her hearty laugh. She was always looking for humor and a good time.

Ms. DeLay is survived by her 11-year-old son, John Taylor DeLay; her father and stepmother, John and Caroline Whisnand; one sister, Leslie Ardis and her husband, Brian; one nephew, Kevin Minear; one brother, Brian Whisnand and his wife, Karen; one niece, Elizabeth Podany and her husband, J.R.; one great-niece, Hallie Podany; one cousin, Michelle Smith and her husband, Wayne; three cousins, Ron, Don and Walter Underwood; and many friends and relatives.