By Jack Brammer
NKyTribune Reporter
U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie says Rhonda Howard Massie was the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, his prom date, his college classmate, his wife of over 35 years, and the mother of his four children.
On Friday morning, the Republican congressman from Lewis County, who has represented northern Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District since 2012, posted on social media that his wife had died.
“Yesterday my high school sweetheart, the love of my life for over 35 years, the loving mother of our four children, the smartest and kindest woman I have ever known, my beautiful and wise forever queen, Rhonda, went to heaven,” said Massie, 53, who is said to be about two years older than his wife.
He did not mention the cause or place of death. They toured Mount Rainier in Washington last week. Massie released a social media post later Friday to remember her.
During a moment of silence at the U.S. Capitol on Friday in honor of Rhonda Massie, Republican Representative Chip Roy of Texas said: “Mr. Speaker, we were all saddened today to learn of the passing of the spouse of one of our members, Thomas Massie, the gentleman from Kentucky.”
He said Massie was driving home from Washington to Kentucky after learning of his wife’s sudden death.
“I would like to ask everyone in the chamber and in the building complex to stand, observe a moment of silence and offer your prayers, thoughts and condolences to our good friend from Kentucky,” Roy told his colleagues in the House before the lawmakers bowed their heads for a moment.
Thomas Massie and Rhonda Howard met at Lewis County High School and were together at prom. Both attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston and earned engineering degrees. In college, they founded a technology company called SensAble Devices and sold it in 2003. The company allowed users to feel digital objects that appeared on a screen.
The two married on August 28, 1993, at the Methodist Church in Vanceburg.
The Massies lived in Garrison in a cattle ranch home he built for his wife and their children, Justin, Mason, Sarah and Elizabeth. The off-grid home is powered by solar panels and a salvaged Tesla Model S battery he retrofitted to the home’s electrical system. Massie calls himself the “greenest member of Congress.”
Before entering Congress, Massie served as executive district judge of Lewis County.
Politician colleagues and friends expressed their condolences on social media and in media statements.
Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear said: “The UK and I are deeply saddened for US Congressman Thomas Massie and his family at the tragic news of the death of his wife Rhonda. Please join us in praying for peace and comfort.”
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Louisville said: “Elaine and I are devastated to learn of the death of Congressman Massie’s beloved wife, Rhonda.
“The entire Commonwealth stands behind the Massie family and our prayers are with Thomas, their four children and all who mourn their loss.”
Kelly Paul, wife of Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Bowling Green, said: “Rhonda was a brilliant woman and a beautiful soul. She brought love and joy to all who knew her. Rand and I are praying for you and your family, Thomas.”
Republican U.S. Representative Andy Barr of Lexington said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rhonda Massie, the beloved wife of my friend and colleague Thomas Massie. Rhonda’s warmth, kindness and devotion to her family and community touched everyone who was privileged to know her.”
Barr’s wife died unexpectedly in 2020.
Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne (Republican of Prospect) said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Rhonda Massie. Rhonda was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, as well as a successful businesswoman and proud Kentucky citizen. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the precious memories and prayers that surround them.”
Kentucky Republican Senate President Robert Stivers said, “Our caucus joins in mourning the loss of a wonderful woman and longtime Kentuckian, Rhonda Massie. We sincerely pray for comfort and peace for Representative Thomas Massey and his entire family.”
State Senator Chris McDaniel (R-Ryland Heights) said, “It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to Congressman Thomas Massie and his family on the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Rhonda.
“Rhonda Massie was a woman of charitable spirit, grace, strength and unwavering willingness to help, whose contributions to her family and community will forever be cherished and remembered. I always enjoyed conversations with Rhonda, as she was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Massie and his family during this difficult time. Rhonda’s legacy of kindness and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. We stand in solidarity with the Massie family and offer our support and deepest condolences.”
Damon Thayer, Republican majority leader in the Kentucky Senate, said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rhonda Massie. She was a kind person, known for her warmth and generosity.”
“Many of us remember the high bids her homemade pies fetched at Lincoln Day dinners, a testament to the joy she brought to our communities. Rhonda was a devoted wife and mother and Thomas’s intellectual equal. Together they were a remarkable team and their partnership was truly inspiring.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Thomas and the entire Massie family during this difficult time.”
State Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, said, “Rhonda Massie was an extraordinary woman, wife, mother and grandmother. Her commitment to Thomas was evident throughout the decades they spent together and in her family. Her legacy lives on in her family and the community she was a part of.
“We never know when our time here is over. Everyone whose life she has touched deeply feels her departure from this world, and we share Thomas’ grief. I express my deepest condolences to the entire family.”
State Senator John Schickel (Republican, Union) said: “I am shocked and devastated to hear that a great person and friend has passed away. Rhonda was a fantastic human being and her loving marriage to Congressman Massie was one of the most beautiful you could imagine. It was a true love story.”
“My heart breaks for my friend Thomas Massie and their children. My prayers are and will continue to be with them in the difficult days ahead. I will be forever grateful to have known Rhonda. May she rest in eternal peace.”
