Rhonda Jean (Shields) Tilden, of Porter, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2008 at Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus. She was 52 years old.

She was born June 22, 1956 in Valparaiso to Beverly J. (nee Carpenter) Shepard, who survives in Porter, and Thomas N. (Gladys) Shields who survives in Sturgis, Mich.

On November 15, 1975 she married Craig A. Tilden at the First Christian Church in Chesterton. He survives at home.

Rhonda is also survived by two daughters, Christina (Kurt) Brizendine, of Ill.; Corinne (Nate) Peffers, of Porter; four grandchildren, Haleigh, Skylar and Owen, of Porter, and William, of Ill.; one grandchild on-the-way; three brothers, Leonard (Susan) Shields of Chesterton, Jeffrey (Tracy) Shields, of Porter and Timothy Shields of Mich.; mother-in-law Patricia Sutherland of Porter; father-in-law William (Bud) Tilden of Porter, 2 step-brothers, 2 step-sisters, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends, co-workers and her faithful friend, Diego.

She was preceded in death by her step-father, Jack Shepard and one step-brother.

Rhonda worked for the last 15 years at Braje, Nelson & Janes, a lawfirm in Michigan City. She bowled for many years at Westchester Lanes with the Monday Nite Ladies League. She loved to take bowling trips with her mom and other relatives and friends to compete in state and national tournaments, and sight-see along the way. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

A memorial service in her honor will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Lighthouse Christian Center, 521 W 1100N, Chesterton with Pastor Tony Goin officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday before the service.

The family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory, or to the family for her grandchildren.

Posted 10/7/2008