SPRINGDALE — Jonna Lee Brodbeck,

age 59 of Springdale, Ark., passed away on March 6, 2024, at Washington Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. Jonna was born on May 2, 1964, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, to parents John and Marilee Brodbeck.

She spent her early years on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago until the age of ten. Later, her family relocated to Swanton, Ohio, where she attended Swanton High School. Jonna was deeply involved in school activities, serving as Class President, a Bulldog cheerleader, and participating in numerous high school plays before graduating in 1982.

Though Jonna initially aspired to pursue a degree in theater, she ultimately graduated from the University of Toledo in Ohio with a major in finance, influenced by her father’s more conservative perspective. In 1987, Jonna followed her sister, Debra, to Springdale, Ark., where she began her career at Claims Management Inc. as a claims adjuster. Over the years, she forged lasting friendships and advanced within the company. Wal-Mart later acquired CMI, and Jonna was promoted to General Liability Senior Manager. She dedicated over three decades of her life to CMI before taking early retirement in 2018 due to declining health.

Jonna had a zest for life and a great sense of humor. She enjoyed traveling with friends, shopping, keeping up with celebrity gossip, and watching true crime shows. Her storytelling skills and infectious laugh brightened the lives of those around her.

Jonna was a member of the Methodist faith, finding solace and strength in her beliefs. Though she will be dearly missed by all who knew her, the family finds comfort knowing she is now reunited with her father in heaven.

Jonna is survived by her mother, Marilee Brodbeck of Springdale, Ark.; her sister, Debra Gilbert-Hardy; nephews and niece, Adrian and Jillian Hardy of Springdale, Ark., and nephew Ian Gilbert (Megan) of Shrewsbury, Mass.; Aunt Lucille Weiss of Charleston, S.C.; Uncle Ed (Elisa) Brodbeck of Baton Rouge, La.; Aunt Joyce Gallegos of Sarasota, Fla.; Aunt Carolyn Bundy of Toledo, Ohio; Uncle Larry Myers of Nokomis, Fla.; and Uncle Sonny (Mary) Myers of Delta, Ohio, along with numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Brodbeck; brother-in-law, Greg Gilbert; and brother-in-law, Allen Hardy.

Visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, March 11th, from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a Memorial service on Tuesday, March 12th, at 10 a.m. A private burial service will follow. www. heritageofnwa.com.

Memorial donations may be made in her honor to The Springdale Rotary Charitable Foundation Trust, P.O. Box 6006, Springdale, Ark. 72766, or to the American Heart Association.