RHONDA JEAN WHEELER HERNANDEZ, 64,
departed this life on May 5, 2026 in Amarillo, TX,
surrounded by her loving family, with burial in
Evergreen Cemetery at Ranger, TX.
Rhonda was born on Jan. 1, 1962 in Garden Grove, CA
to Jimmy Earl & Pauline Joyce (Maddux) Wheeler. Her
early years were spent in Ranger, where she would
later graduate from Ranger High School in the Class
of 1980.
Rhonda dedicated 24 years of her life to her career
at First Bank Southwest in Amarillo, where she served
as the Deposit Operations Manager. Her profound passion
for her work was only surpassed by the boundless love
she held for her family. In May of 1991, she married
the love of her life, Earl Hernandez (RHS-1984) in
Ranger. Together, they built a life filled with love,
laughter, and cherished memories.
A member of the Baptist faith, Rhonda was known for
her kind heart and nurturing spirit. She had a unique
ability to make everyone feel valued, often calling
friends and family to catch up and share in their
lives. While she maintaineda private persona, those
who knew her understood the depth of her love and
devotion to her family. She found joy in reading,
listening to music, and creating special moments
with her loved ones.
Rhonda is survived by her husband, Earl Hernandez
of Amarillo; her daughter, Alexandrea Jackson and
husband, Cory of Panhandle; her mother, Pauline
Wheeler and best friend, Charles Johnson of May;
two cherished grandchildren, Cason & Penny Jackson
of Panhandle; a sister, Debra Shadwick and husband,
Joe of Wichita Falls; as well as stepchildren, Earl
Jr., Eric, Vicki, and Steffanie Hernandez. She is
also survived by her beloved niece and nephews,
Traci Fulgham, Joseph Shadwick, and Shane Shadwick.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy Wheeler
(RHS-1954), and her brother, Terry Wheeler (RHS-1977).
HUSBAND: EARL E. HERNANDEZ, 82, passed away
May,23 2026 surrounded by the love of his family and
the memories of a life well lived. Earl was a man
defined by hard work, dedication, and a deep love for
the simple joys of life.
Born into a large family of nine children, Earl learned
early the value of family, resilience, and hard work. He
carried those values throughout his entire life. He spent
many years working as a ranch hand, a career that perfectly
matched his love for the outdoors and strong work ethic.
Later, Earl dedicated decades of service to the Railroad
Commission, where he built a respected career before re-
tiring - twice - because slowing down simply never suited
him.
Earl loved being outdoors, tending to his garden, & keeping
his hands busy with projects and repairs. He was known for
always tinkering with something, especially the Volkswagens
he loved restoring and redoing over the years. Whether in
the garage, the garden, or outside working on a project,
Earl found joy in creating, fixing, and improving things.
Above all else, Earl loved his family deeply. He was a proud
father to five children and cherished the life he built
alongside his beloved wife, Rhonda, who was truly the love
of his life. Together they shared 35 wonderful years of
marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering com-
panionship.
Earl will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his
quiet strength, his devotion to family, and his ability to
never sit still for long. His presence, wisdom, and steady
hands will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Earl is preceded in death by his wife Rhonda Jean Hernandez
(RHS-1980), Father Trancito Hernandez, Mother Alejandrina
Hernandez and Sister Elida Iris Ashworth.
He is survived by his children Earl,Jr. and Rhonda Hernandez
of Ranger, Eric & Holly Hernandez of Bedford, Vicki Hernandez
of Muscatine, IA, Steffanie Hernandez of Cisco, & Alexandrea
and Cory Jackson of Panhandle; grandchildren Meagan Mathis,
Carter Hernandez, TaVan Hernandez, Jaaxon Hernandez, Elisabeth
Wilcoxen, Allison Wilcoxen, Ashleigh Wilcoxen, Michael Bierman,
Trinity Hernandez, Leaha Finley, Kayla Shulenburg, Cason Jackson
and Penny Jackson; great-grandchildren Leland, Raphael & Miguel;
siblings Steve Hernandez, Polo Hernandez, Tino Hernandez, Reuben
Hernandez, Trancito Hernandez, Lupe Franco, and Mary Pelfrey.