In Loving Memory of Rhonda Lockhart: Community in Mourning After Tragic Discovery in Henry County
The Henry County community is reeling after the heartbreaking discovery of a woman’s body inside a Ridgeway home on Saturday afternoon. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has launched a homicide investigation following the death of Rhonda Lockhart, a beloved member of the community whose life was tragically cut short.
According to officials, deputies were dispatched to a residence located at 1159 Garrett Road around 12:15 p.m. on October 18, 2025, after receiving a welfare check call. When they arrived, they were met by a juvenile resident who told deputies that his mother needed help. Responding officers entered the home and found Rhonda deceased inside a bedroom.
What began as a welfare check quickly turned into a devastating crime scene. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that investigators are now processing evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the tragedy. The body of Ms. Lockhart has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke, where an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the exact cause and manner of her death.
Neighbors and friends describe Rhonda as a warm, kindhearted woman who always had a smile for everyone she met. She was known for her caring spirit, love for her family, and dedication to her children. “She loved her family more than anything,” one neighbor shared. “She was always checking in on people, making sure everyone was doing okay. It’s just heartbreaking to know she’s gone.”
The news has left the Ridgeway community in deep sorrow and disbelief. What was once a quiet neighborhood now finds itself shaken by tragedy. Community members have begun leaving flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes near the Lockhart residence, honoring a woman whose life meant so much to those around her.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the investigation, but they assure the public that every effort is being made to bring justice to Rhonda and closure to her family. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
As loved ones mourn this unimaginable loss, many are remembering Rhonda Lockhart not for the circumstances of her passing, but for the love, laughter, and light she brought into the lives of everyone she touched. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, family, and community, who will forever cherish the moments they shared with her.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her family find strength and comfort during this time of unspeakable grief.
