Farewell to ‘Queen’ Rhonda Mik, a Tailem Bend treasure
A much-loved community member involved in everything from the bakery to sporting clubs is being remembered fondly after her passing at 94.
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Tailem Bend has farewelled one of its most cherished community figures with the peaceful passing of Rhonda Mik on June 25 at the age of 94.
Known affectionately as Mrs Mik, Aunty Rhonda, Rhonny or simply Rhonda, she was the much-loved wife of the late Dave, mother and mother-in-law of Brian (deceased) and Michelle, Chris and Judy, and Darren and Fouziah.
She was adored by her grandchildren Nikki, Scott, Kim, Tylor, Jarrah, Lawson, Grady, Tyson, and great-grandchildren Kaiden, Charlotte and Noah.
To the town, Rhonda was more than a family matriarch – she was an icon of community life.
Murray Bridge News spoke to longtime friend Pauline Merritt, who shared heartfelt memories of their deep and decades-long friendship.
“It’s a very sad time for our small community,” she said.
“I recall my parents telling me that Rhonda used to work for them in Hughes’ Café.
“They adored her – they said she was a pretty, spirited young girl.”
Their friendship deepened when Ms Merritt began working at the hair salon situated in what is now the storeroom at the Tailem Bend Bakery.
“Rhonda came in every week for her hairdo,” she said.
“When wigs came in, I’d help her put it on before she went out to face the day.”
Running the Tailem Bend Bakery with her husband for many years, Mrs Mik shared some valuable advice with Ms Merritt when she bought the hair salon.
“She told me, ‘A business runs on a third: wages, expenses, and profit,’ and she knew what she was talking about,” she said.
Every group she touched, from the footy club and Taberefta to the Friends of the Hospital and even the community’s Mothers and Babies, she ran like a tight ship and always made things thrive.”
Though 13 years apart in age, the two women shared countless memories: weekends at the Coorong, billiard room parties, and years of raising kids side by side.
Ms Merritt recalled the time when Mr Mik had added red cherries to jubilee cakes, straying from the usual coconut topping.
“Rhonda hated it,” she said.
“Dave disappeared to the pub, and the cherries were never to be seen again.”
A fierce supporter of the Tailem Bend Eagles and the local netball, Mrs Mik never missed a game.
Even as mobility became a challenge, her trusty gopher got her to the sidelines.
“She’d ask herself, ‘Where to today?’ and grab a suitable name tag,” Ms Merritt said.
“She was out more than most people half her age.”
Mrs Mik remained active in community life into her 90s, delivering Tailem Topics just weeks before her passing, handling her own banking online, and attending lunches, bus trips, library events, and historian meetings.
“She never stopped,” Ms Merritt said.
“She had her hair done weekly by Kay, then Tammy took over with home visits.
“She always looked lovely, lipstick on, ready to go.
“She was ‘Queen Rhonda’ to us.”
Even local shopkeepers knew her routine.
If she needed help getting her walker off the gopher, someone always came.
“Frank the Tailem Bend Hotel publican would always help her adjust her wheels so she could head home to lunch,” Ms Merritt remembered fondly.
“Rhonda looked after her community, and in return, we looked after her.
“She taught us all something through her independence, kindness, and determination.”
With warmth, wit, and a life of tireless service, Rhonda Mik has left a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“Dear Rhonda,” Pauline said softly, “I hope you’re getting your cappuccino and doughnuts in heaven.
“Rest easy, my friend.
“There’ll never be another like you.”
