Rhonda Gail (Ballard) Hicks

Rhonda Gail Hicks, 67, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully at her sons home after a long battle with cancer on the evening of July 23, 2024. Rhonda was born November 9, 1956, to Leonard and Marletta Ballard in Hays, Kansas. The family moved a bit but settled in Portland where Rhonda did most of her growing up.

In 1979, Rhonda moved to Idaho Falls to marry her first husband, Ralph Johnson, and raise their two children. They divorced in 1988, but continued to co-parent the children.

Rhonda was an artistic soul who was forced to work in the corporate and government worlds far too long before she retired and found her joy in owning The Cracked Pot, a ceramics studio. While the work was a lot, Rhonda was never happier than when she was here, playing in the clay with some of her closest friends and family members.

Rhonda is survived by her daughter, Jamie Goodloe of Atlanta, GA; son, Jason Johnson of Idaho Falls, ID; grandson, Ayden Johnson of Idaho Falls, ID; grandson, Nathan Johnson of Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Randy (Linda) Ballard of Portland, OR; and brother, Ken Ballard of Portland, OR. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause that was near and dear to Rhonda's heart: The Idaho Falls Arts Council.

A gathering will be held from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause that was near and dear to Rhonda's heart, The Idaho Falls Arts Council.