Rhonda Lou Martin
Graveside services for Rhonda Lou Martin, 77, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Rhonda went home peacefully January 22, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of her own home.
She was born August 9, 1948, in West Plains, Missouri, to Ronald Longnecker Sr. and Opal Pauline (Dixon) Longnecker. On September 17, 1966, Rhonda married the love of her life, Gary Martin, also in West Plains. What followed was nearly sixty years of faithful partnership, shared work, shared laughter, and a deep, steady love that shaped their family and everyone who knew them. Rhonda had a rare gift for loving people well. Her home was a place of warmth, good food, and easy conversation. She found joy in gardening, cooking, and canning, and she delighted in feeding others, because to Rhonda, feeding people was a form of love. Hosting, entertaining, and visiting with friends and family came naturally to her, and no one ever left her table feeling like a stranger. Known affectionately as “Big Lou” and the “Green Bean Queen,” her generosity matched her personality, full, joyful, and inviting. For 51 years, Rhonda worked faithfully alongside Gary in Martin’s Auto Sales, serving not just as a business partner, but as a steady and trusted presence behind the scenes. Her dedication to her family and their work never wavered. Above all else, Rhonda loved her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother who took genuine delight in her grandchildren. Her kindness, consistency, and sincere interest in others left a lasting mark on everyone she encountered. Rhonda was a faithful member of Missouri Avenue Church of Christ, where she found community, worship, and lifelong friendships.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Martin; three children, Brian Martin and wife, Shelley, Brent Martin and wife, Kim, and Laura Hopkins and husband, Danny; nine grandchildren, Logan, Averie, Ripley, Chaney, Jade, Linkin, Munroe, Afton, Harper; one great-grandchild, Riggs, and one on the way; one brother, Ricky Longnecker and wife, Toby; one sister, Katherine McMillan; one sister-in-law, Barbara Longnecker, and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, and two brothers, Terry Longnecker, and Ronald Longnecker, Jr., preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 7, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridges, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Donna Spencer
January 27, 2026 @ 5:06 pm
Our Condolences to Gary, Brian and All Family. Your family has been so wonderful to my family. So sorry for your loss.
Dustin W Mahan
January 27, 2026 @ 5:52 pm
Martin and family, I’m sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Ruth Franklin
January 27, 2026 @ 5:56 pm
We loved Rhonda and cherished her sweet, kind heart. Rhonda was a shining example for each of us to continue her works of kindness and sharing with others. Our condolences to Gary and family and prayers for comfort.
Donna Newberry
January 27, 2026 @ 6:00 pm
Gary and family our condolences for your loss of Rhonda. Prayers for you all
during this time
Noble and Donna Newberry
Linda (Howard) Smith
January 27, 2026 @ 8:07 pm
Rhonda was a hard worker and a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and a wonderful family member. She has suffered so long with her poor health that we know that God took her home and she was ready to meet her dear Lord and she has inherited her home in heaven. Her family will miss her but will be glad that she is no longer having to suffer. To Gary and their children and all the family members you are in our prayers.
Jon Baltz
January 28, 2026 @ 9:06 am
Gary and family I am so so sorry for your loss. Rhonda was a great friend to many of us and will be missed. Prayers for you.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
January 28, 2026 @ 2:30 pm
Gary and Martin Families,
We are so very sorry about the passing of Rhonda. We extend our Deepest Sympathy to each of you. Rhonda had a wonderful Christian caring personality, always a smile, and a wonderful sense of humor that she shared with her family and friends alike. We have wonderful memories of her and will treasure them too. She will be missed! Daily may God provide comfort, peace, strength, and encouragement to each of you. We will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
Phyllis Smith
January 28, 2026 @ 4:17 pm
Rhonda was such an amazing, Godly woman. What an example of a Christian life. Rhonda is for sure in her eternal home.
My love and prayers for Gary and their family.
Mike and Diana Pace
January 28, 2026 @ 6:59 pm
We are deeply saddened to learn of Rhonda’s passing. She was our dear classmate in the Class of ‘66. We are keeping all of her family in our prayers.
Patty Nichols
January 29, 2026 @ 9:00 am
So very sorry for your loss, many prayers to the Martin Family
George and Marsha Harris
February 2, 2026 @ 12:32 pm
Prayers for your family!