What started as a blind date between Rhonda Beth Powell and Galen Jay Miller blossomed into a 56-year love story. They married in 1970 and soon moved to Grand Rapids, where Rhonda cared for their first son, Brent, while Galen attended UTI Electronics and worked nights at a meat packaging plant.

Rhonda and Galen moved back to Eby Pines in Middlebury to raise their family, which grew with the birth of Brian. They found their permanent home in White Pigeon when they purchased the farmhouse on 131 from Rhonda’s uncle Elton Powell. They watched Brent and Brian graduate from White Pigeon, with a few wrecked trucks along the way!

Soon after the kids were out of school and on their own, Rhonda’s mom Nedra passed away. Rhonda and Galen then moved in with her dad in Constantine, where they reside today.

Galen worked as an ironworker while Rhonda ran the Tasty Freeze. She later joined the Village Pharmacy, where she could keep up with all the gossip! Rhonda then bought a caramel corn business and supplied stores throughout St. Joseph County. That venture soon led them to purchase a Pretzel Wagon and start their own business.

The Pretzel Wagon occupied most of Rhonda and Galen's summers. They also helped start three routes that are still maintained by family members today. Rhonda was loved at fairs and was known as “Pretzel Grandma” to kids and parents alike. If anyone came to Rhonda’s window with a long face, she would ask what’s wrong and have them smiling by the time they left with their big Fluffs Pretzel!

Rhonda had such a big heart for everyone around her. She cleaned Mottville Bible Church for 5 years where she met all her church lady friends and always had a hug for the kids. Every Sunday for 50 years Rhonda and Galen attended the Mottville Bible Church.

Anyone who met Rhonda through the years knew they walked away with a true friend that never judged or faltered from their friendship. Her loving Christian background was instilled by her parents Nedra and Eugene Powell.

Rhonda will always hold a special place in the hearts of her family and friends and will be missed by the thousands of people whose lives she touched at the fairs.

Rhonda Beth (Powell) Miller was preceded in death by her parents, Nedra (Snyder) and Eugene Powell. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Galen Jay Miller; her sons, Brent (Hanna) Miller and Bryan (Suzanna) Miller; six grandchildren, Sparrow, Willow, Forest, Grizzly, Clark, and Candice; four great-grandchildren, Eddie, Lillie, Ozlynn, and Maevrie; her brothers, Delbert (Becky) Powell and Lee Powell; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services for Rhonda will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm at the Mottville Bible Church, 10455 US-12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 with her family greeting relatives and friends from 10:00 am until the time of services.

Interment will follow at the Mottville Township Cemetery.

Rhonda’s family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.