Who I Am – Darlene Rhody

Darlene was born and raised on a farm outside of Neustadt. Following high school she was employed at the Royal Bank in Hanover, for New Life Mills as well as Cameron Funeral Home in Walkerton. When Nathan purchased the funeral home in Chesley, she joined him there to help out. When not at the funeral home, Darlene loves being Nana to Brooklyn, Landon, Jackson, Cooper and Hazel!

Who I Am – Terri-Ann Mattiasson

Terri-Ann was born in Ottawa and raised in Manitoba. From 2000 – 2009 she was pastor at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chesley. Upon returning to the Chesley area in 2014 she joined Nathan and his family as a ‘wanna be’ Rhody! Terri-Ann helps with day to day office operations as well as serving as Celebrant, designing and implementing creative ceremonies that reflect the wishes and beliefs of the deceased and their family. Terri-Ann can be contacted any time at terriann@rhodyfamily.com.

Who I Am – Andrew “Andy” Brandsma

Before joining Rhody Family on a part-time basis, Andy worked as a funeral director at Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston, Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel and several funeral homes in Hamiton. Andy was a manager in various textile industries for many years and was President of the Canadian Textile Association, before retraining as a funeral director in 2011. Andy with his wife Andi, served as missionaries in the South Pacific for a few years and have a son in Norway and a daughter in the Hamilton area. Andy loves living in Chesley and serves on the Board of Directors for the Chesley Community Church. He loves to garden, canoe, kayak, tinker, shoot a bow, hike and hunt and may take up curling again. Andy appreciates how much care is provided to each grieving family that comes to RFFH.

Who I Am – Jana Ernst

Jana was born and raised in Chepstow. While attending Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton, she completed her high school co-op at Cameron Funeral Home in Walkerton and here at Rhody Family Funeral Home. She went to Humber College, graduating in 2016. She completed her internship at Ward Funeral Home in Brampton and worked there once she received her license. In 2017, she moved to Guelph working for Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home. In early 2021, she made the decision to move back to Bruce County to be closer to her family, friends and her boyfriend Dean and rejoined our team. In her spare time, Jana can be found outdoors kayaking and canoeing, snowshoeing, and spending time with family and friends. Jana is happy to be back closer to her hometown and to serve the families in the area! Jana can be contacted at jana@rhodyfamily.com.

Who I Am – Bonnie Gallinger

Before joining Rhody Family in 2015, Bonnie was employed at Bruce Power for 29 years.  She retired from her position of Human Resources Consultant/Benefits Administrator in 2010.  As Benefits Administrator, she was responsible for health and dental benefits, life insurance, long term disability and pension administration for Bruce Power employees and pensioners.  Bonnie and her husband Ron have two daughters – one resides in Calgary and the other just outside Elmwood.  She is Board Co-Chair of St. John’s United Church in Chesley, caters in her spare time and loves to be with her two grandsons – Lyle and Garrett.  She is proud to be part of the professional and hard working team at RFFH.

Who I Am – Morris Emke

Morris is a familiar face to many in the Grey-Bruce area. He has been in and around the funeral home since he was a teenager working with Vern Emke. He served as a paramedic and along with his wife Evelyn raised their family beside the funeral home all the while continuing to help at the funeral home when needed. Now that he is retired we still keep him busy. His knowledge and friendliness serves all of us well as a valuable member of our family. Morris is also a car enthusiast and can be seen, in the summer months, caring for his ‘antique.’