Rhonda Jo Templeton Obituary

Rhonda Jo Templeton, 73, of Susanville, CA, passed away on February 4, 2026 in her home with her loyal husband Vern by her side.
Born on July 2, 1952 to Paul and Joann Simpson in Oakdale, CA, Rhonda was the oldest of five siblings: Rachelle, Rebecca, Beaver, and Scott. The Simpsons moved to Susanville in 1959 and quickly settled into small town living. Rhonda attended local schools and was a graduate of the Lassen High School class of 1970.
Rhonda married her high school sweetheart Vern Templeton and they started their family with the birth of Shelley, followed by Casey a couple of years later. Alison Kate completed the family with her arrival in 1985.
As a young mother, Rhonda took many classes at Lassen Community College, including stained glass, cake decorating, and tennis, but the majority of her studies were in Early Childhood Education. This was where her knowledge of Children's Literature flourished under the direction of mentor Lea Woods.
Rhonda was employed at the Susanville School District, working as a teacher’s assistant and librarian at McKinley and Meadowview schools for over 25 years. She was known for her love of books and reading and could hook even the most reluctant reader with the perfect pick. Rhonda created an encouraging and safe space in the library for both students and staff.
Hundreds of Kindergarten through Sixth grade students were entranced weekly by her specially chosen books and engaging reading voice. Rhonda loved planning the yearly book fairs, arranging author visits, and creating elaborate displays and decor to go along with the monthly featured stories. She was also instrumental in planning Harry Potter release parties at Margie’s Book Nook throughout the early 2000s when each novel hit the shelves.
Rhonda enjoyed crafting, painting, cooking, collecting, and watching sports. She was an avid San Francisco 49ers and Giants fan, but her favorite teams were the ones her grandchildren played on.
Her family dinners and celebrations were legendary, with extensive menus and dishes made from scratch. She was a founding member of Susanville’s Doll Club and was also involved in Beta Sigma Phi, Cub Scouts, and Campfire Girls.
Throughout her children’s lives, Rhonda encouraged them to follow their passions, whether it was art, dance, sports, or BMX racing. She often took them to cultural events like concerts, musicals, plays, and the ballet to expand their horizons and to show them what life was like outside of Susanville.
Rhonda cultivated a love of music and learned to play the piano and guitar at a young age. Her favorite band was The Beatles, but she loved The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, ABBA, and basically any genre except Country.
In addition to her parents, Rhonda was preceded in death by sister Rachelle and brothers Beaver and Scott.
Rhonda is survived by her husband of over 56 years Vern, children Shelley (Leo) Bennett, Casey Templeton, and Alison Templeton; grandchildren Ash Templeton; Jacob, Landon, and Sofia Bennett.
A celebration of Rhonda’s full and wonderful life will be held on Sunday June 14, 2026, 1:00 at Sentimental Journey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of the Library (1618 Main Street Susanville, CA 96130) or the Lassen High School Alumni Association (P.O. Box 471 Susanville, CA 96130).
To honor Rhonda’s memory, pick up a good book and read it!