Rhonda Renee Eckler Ross, 43 of Park Hall, MD died August 26, 2011 at her residence from complications related to Type I diabetes, a disease she fought tirelessly and with dignity and courage since age 6. Born July 22, 1968 in Fort Thomas, KY, she was the daughter of John and Donna Eckler of Park Hall, MD.

Rhonda was raised in St. Mary's County and was a vital part of those locally who raise, ride or love horses. A 1986 graduate of Great Mills High School, her ambition was to be an international Grand Prix rider. She competed locally for years and participated in Maryland Regional Show Jumping Events. Rhonda attended Southern Virginia College, worked in Washington, DC and for Millison Enterprises before dedicating herself to breeding, raising and rescuing horses. She was an excellent equestrian teacher who instilled in others, whether young or old, both the knowledge of and love for horses, riding and jumping. Rhonda was also a lover of dogs. In recent years due to health issues, Rhonda's focus was on maintaining a barn of horses that included rescued horses and others that she bred and raised in hopes that her health would improve and that she would be "back in the saddle again". She can now spend eternity with her first and most loved horse Mystery teaching the angels to love horses.

In addition to her parents, Rhonda is survived by her husband, Robert Ross.

Family will receive friends for Rhonda's Life Celebration on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 44078 St. Andrew's Church Road, California, MD 20619. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.