In Loving Memory of Rhonda L. Bartnik

In Loving Memory of Rhonda L. Bartnik

The community of Monroe County is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Rhonda L. Bartnik, 60, of Ottawa Lake, who passed away following a devastating traffic crash on Saturday, February 14, 2026. What began as an ordinary winter weekend ended in unimaginable sorrow, leaving family, friends, and neighbors grappling with grief and disbelief.

The fatal collision occurred on northbound US-23, south of Sterns Road, in Whiteford Township. According to Troy Goodnough, preliminary findings indicate that Rhonda was traveling southbound when her blue 2017 Ford Escape entered the northbound lanes and struck a gray 2023 Ford F-150 head-on. The F-150 was driven by 18-year-old Calvin A. Campbell of Dundee, Michigan, who had a 17-year-old female passenger in the front seat. Authorities confirmed that all occupants were wearing safety belts and that airbags deployed in both vehicles upon impact.

While investigations continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash, the focus throughout Monroe County has shifted toward honoring the life of a woman who meant so much to so many.

At 60 years old, Rhonda was in a season of life marked by wisdom, experience, and deep-rooted relationships. She was more than a name in a report — she was a beloved member of her community, a woman whose daily presence enriched the lives of those around her. Whether through her dedication to family, her friendships, or her involvement in local life, Rhonda left a meaningful imprint wherever she went.

To her loved ones, she was a steady source of comfort and love. She may have been a devoted wife, a caring mother, a proud grandmother, a sister, or a loyal friend — roles that carry immeasurable value and leave profound emptiness in their absence. Her laughter, her voice, and her familiar routines are now cherished memories that her family will hold close to their hearts.

Valentine’s Day will forever carry a bittersweet significance for those who knew her. A day traditionally associated with love and connection is now intertwined with remembrance and reflection. Yet perhaps it is fitting, because Rhonda’s life was defined by love — love given generously and received wholeheartedly.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Monroe County community has come together in support and compassion. Neighbors have shared condolences, prayers have been lifted, and hearts have united in solidarity with the Bartnik family. In small communities especially, loss is deeply personal — it touches everyone.

Though the details of the accident are sobering, Rhonda’s story is ultimately one of a life lived with purpose and meaning. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and devotion that will not be forgotten. Her impact continues in the lives she shaped, the lessons she shared, and the love she poured into others.

As family and friends navigate the difficult days ahead, may they find comfort in cherished memories and strength in one another. May they remember not only the sorrow of her passing but the beauty of her life — the smiles, the conversations, the quiet acts of care that defined who she was.

In loving memory of Rhonda L. Bartnik, may her soul rest in eternal peace. May her family be surrounded by comfort and support. And may her memory remain a guiding light in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.