Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. until time of Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. at Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, 1200 Brentnell Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219. Inurnment: Forestlawn Memorial Gardens

 

 In Loving Memory of

Carmelita Michelle Haynes Rhynehardt
December 30, 1956 – September 4, 2025

On September 4, 2025, God called Carmelita home so her pain from cancer would end. Because of her great love of family and her lifelong devotion to animals, God needed her to help care for the “fur souls” crossing the rainbow bridge. This job was far more important than any she had done on earth—and one she was perfectly chosen for.

On Sunday morning at 8:45 a.m., December 30, 1956, Carmelita Michelle Haynes arrived on the planet at St. Ann’s Maternity Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. From the very beginning, she wanted things her way. Opinionated and confident, she often had it all figured out before anyone else could get a word in edgewise. She was destined to be Daddy’s girl. Perhaps being the daughter of a postman and a television repairman helped her develop the math skills and sharp thinking that would eventually lead her to a career in technology.

Carmelita had a natural mind for numbers and analysis, which carried her into a solid career at Verizon, where she worked for over 20 years. After leaving Verizon, she continued to share her talents and work ethic with Encova, Motorists Mutual, and AmerisourceBergen. Work came naturally to her, but it was the things outside of work, her family, her animal rescue work and “animal queendom,” her love of music (especially Barry White), and her joy for food, that truly defined her life.

She delighted in her routines. Monday nights meant Antolino’s pizza, and Fridays were reserved for dinner at Stan’s. When she bought her home in Westerville, she told her sisters, “I’m buying this for my boys, so they will never have to worry about having a place to live.” She often perched by her bedroom window, watching family and friends splash around in the pool below, always ready with a wave for the police helicopter as it circled overhead. Like her father, she kept the police scanner close, tuned in and curious, always keeping her family safe.

She loved the open road, riding her motorcycle with pride. Her vintage Camaro got plenty of attention, and she took it all in stride. When Amazon came along, she was intrigued by the technology behind it, and when it came to simple pleasures, Cheryl’s cookies, Drumsticks, milkshakes, and smoothies always brought happiness in the sweetest ways. And, her favorite shows, The Simpsons, Garfield and yep, Spongebob.

When her son Bryan decided to play sports in high school, Carmelita was always in the stands—his loudest and proudest fan. Football games, track meets, and wrestling matches filled her calendar, and her pride reached its peak in 2002 when Bryan and his team advanced to the State Championship.

Her son Jeff and his wife Olivia gave her three grandchildren to adore, Jaden, Lauren, and Madisen, who became the center of her world and her greatest joy. She cherished every moment with them and carried them in her heart.

Carmelita’s love for animals began in her early childhood. Her pets were not only her friends, they were her family. Every cat she rescued became part of her heart, and she had a way of seeing the beauty in each one. They were her daily companions and her joy, cared for with a devotion that reflected her loving and kind spirit.

Above all, Carmelita loved making friends and connections through music, meals, family moments, and the everyday joys that made life worth living. She was loyal, funny, strong-willed, and full of heart. She waved, she cheered, she laughed, and she loved. Even with her own illness consuming her, until the very end, she continued to care for her mom, because that’s what family meant to her.

She is preceded in death by her father, Alfred Haynes, and her sister, Karen Marie Haynes. She is survived by her loving mother and dear friend Esther Haynes; her sons Jeffrey Rhynehardt (Olivia) and Bryan Sullivan; grandchildren Jaden, Lauren (Bobby), and Madisen; her sister Taryn Hunter; her cherished dogs Nyla, Rebel, Smokey, Benji and cat Fenyx; her cousin Jenetta Washington; and lifelong friend Patty Taylor.

Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. But we will all remember our time with her, her laughter, and her love, which will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
 

In honor of her love for animals, donations may be made to your favorite rescue or shelter, continuing the legacy of compassion that defined her life.