Rhonda Kay (Wilfong) Andrews Ray, age 57, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Born on February 12, 1968, in Taylorville, Illinois, Rhonda was the daughter of Ruth Ann Wilfong and the late Gary Allen Wilfong. She dedicated her life to the well-being of others through her decades-long work in public health, serving as an administrator in multiple districts including Marion County, Fayette County, and Southern Seven. She was appointed as President of Illinois Public Health Departments from 2016-2017. Her leadership and vision made lasting impacts in every community she served.
Rhonda was a fierce advocate for health education and funding, especially in the fight against colon cancer—a cause she championed with passion and determination. Outside of her career, Rhonda found joy in her garden, tending to her beloved day lilies, and surrounding herself with beauty and peace. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
She was first married to the late John David Andrews, with whom she raised three sons: Alexander, Nicholas, and Graham. In 2018, she found love again and married Mark Daniel Ray, gaining two stepsons, Matthew and Nathan, and extending her circle of family.
Rhonda is survived by her husband, Mark Ray; her mother, Ruth Ann Wilfong; her sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Jay Massey; her sons and daughters-in-laws: Alexander and Tiffany Andrews, Nicholas and Sadie Andrews, and Graham and Olivia Andrews; her stepson and his fiancé Matthew Ray and Addi Burchett; her stepson and his wife, Nathan and Lydia Ray; and her ten beloved grandchildren: Jacoby (15), Arianna (13), Asher (10), Ness (7), Solomon (5), Seraphina (3), and Toccoa (11 months); Ethan (2) and Riley (14 months); and Coraline (1 month). She also leaves behind a wide circle of family, friends, and colleagues who will forever feel her absence.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, John David Andrews, and her father, Gary Allen Wilfong.
Memorial contributions may take the form of donations made in memory of Rhonda Andrews Ray to the Colon Cancer Foundation; 10 Midland Ave, Suite M-06 Port Chester, NY 10573.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 19,2025, with Mark Howe officiating, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church Cemetery in Cisne, Illinois.
The visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Collier Funeral Home, located at 211 West 5th Street Benton, Kentucky 42025.
Rhonda will be remembered for her strength, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family, her community, and her peace.
