Rhea Jean Geronzin, age 66, of North Liberty, Iowa, went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 22, 2026. After spending a week at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City for complications associated with diabetes, Rhea was transferred to hospice care at Hallmark Nursing Home in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Rhea passed as the sun came up on May 22nd.

Rhea Jean was born on August 28th, 1959, in Clinton, Iowa, to Anson and Helen Geronzin. Rhea attended Horace Mann Elementary School and Lyons Middle School, both in Clinton. One of Rhea’s early pursuits was participating in her local Girl Scout Troop, earning several patches over the years.

In 1977, Rhea graduated from Clinton High School, where she was on the Girls’ Tennis Team and a member of the Science Club. Upon Rhea’s initiation into the National Honor Society, she received a surprise congratulatory letter from her elementary school principal, Stanley Reeves, telling her he had always believed in her.

Rhea earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Clinton Community College on May 31st, 1979. Two years later on May 23rd, 1981, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Rhea then went on to earn her Master of Education degree, with distinction, on May 19th, 1984, from Iowa State University as well. Her Major was Family Services.

Rhea loved learning throughout her life and staying focused on her goals while still having fun with friends and family. Adult baptism was one of her goals after rediscovering her faith in 1995. Rhea was baptized as an adult on June 12th, 2005, at Faith Baptist Church in Cambridge, Iowa. Rhea’s faith was of utmost importance to her. She loved the Lord. As in the hymn, “I Come to the Garden”, she walked with Him, and she talked with Him.

During her college years, some summers were spent working at Clinton’s Public Library. After her final graduation, Rhea spent nearly two decades working within the University of Iowa Libraries, while occasionally picking up hours at Kerlin’s Hallmark Store in Iowa City just for fun.

Rhea loved helping people. She was a kind and compassionate friend, always ready to listen and offer thoughtful, heartfelt support. No matter the situation, she gently reminded others to take care of themselves and prioritize self-care. She was an exceptional listener with a natural ability to connect with people, making those around her feel heard and understood. Even while facing her own personal struggles, Rhea continued to uplift others with unwavering kindness and empathy.

Rhea is survived by her nieces Kelly and Kasey, 2 great-nieces and a great-nephew, all from Circleville, Ohio; as well as several cousins in Iowa and California.

Rhea was preceded in death by her parents, Anson and Helen Geronzin of Clinton, Iowa; her brother, Anson T. Geronzin Jr, who died in combat during the Vietnam War; and her sister and brother-in-law, Dana (Geronzin) Parker and Howard Parker, of Circleville, Ohio.

Remembering Rhea's life here on earth would not be complete without mentioning her beloved cats who shared her life over the years: Whiskers, Charlie, Kiki, Rain, and Pumpkin. They were like her kids, each one special and specially loved.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, August 28th, 2026 (this would have been Rhea’s 67th birthday), in Ames, Iowa, at Brookside Park, Hickory Shelter from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Pastor Mike from Heartland Baptist Church in Ames will share a message at 2:30 p.m. about God’s light in Rhea’s life. All family and friends are invited to join in celebrating our dear Rhea’s life!

If you wish to honor Rhea's memory, consider donating in Rhea’s name to your local library or to Cedar Valley Humane Society: https://share.google/an6Ci3cvxCA9CJ9tu