Born in Memphis, Tenn., Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder spent her formative years in Dallas, Texas, before moving to southeast Missouri, where her parents and extended family has lived for more than five generations. She has three children, Raychel Jarrett, Johnny Griswell Jr., Christian Rehder, and three beautiful grandchildren, Kayden Talley, Karlei Jarrett, and Liam Jase Griswell.

Senator Thompson Rehder is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, with a bachelor's degree in mass communications, with her emphasis in public relations. She was also a member of the Southeast Missouri State University's Speech and Debate team and has been recognized twice with Best Speaker award.

Starting in cable television at 19 years old, Sen. Thompson Rehder worked her way up from the mail room at Galaxy Cablevision, working in various departments, before becoming Director of Government Affairs for the company, over a span of 14 years. In 2004, Sen. Thompson Rehder co-founded a cable telecommunications contracting company, Integrity Communications. In 2005, she began working for the Missouri Cable Telecommunications Association where she had previously served as a member of their Board of Directors.

Currently, Sen. Thompson Rehder is a member of the Chambers of Commerce throughout her district, as well as Sikeston Rotary Club, and the National Rifle Association of America. Senator Thompson Rehder attends, and has raised her family, at Life Church in Sikeston, Missouri.