Thelma Rhoads

Thelma passed away on 29 December 2016. She was born in Story City, Iowa on September 5, 1913. However she spent her entire life in Des Moines but moved to Arroyo Grande, CA, in May 2013 to be near family. She was a graduate of Warren Harding Jr. High School and East Des Moines High school, Class of January 1932. Her husband, Leonard, preceded her in death in 1994 after 59 years of marriage. She was the oldest of three siblings who all preceding her in death: her sister Helen (Simpson), and brothers William and Warren Sutton. She is survived by her three sons, Richard, Dennis (Linda), and Stephen, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law Betty Sutton, and several nieces and nephews.

Thelma and her husband were active in the Craftsmen's Club (a printing industry professional organization), and the Optimist Club. They traveled yearly to conventions across the country. They also traveled to New York and California yearly to visit their sons Richard and Dennis. Stephen has remained in Iowa.

Thelma was a volunteer at Iowa Methodist Hospital for nearly 40 years. She was also active in her church, Highland Park Presbyterian, where she was a member for over 50 years. She was a member of two bridge clubs and a bowling club for over 40 years. Although she didn't receive her driver's license until age 45, she continued to drive up to age 99. She always remembered to send all her children, grand-children, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephew’s birthday, anniversary and Christmas cards.

A memorial service will held at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Date and time have not yet been set; please contact the church if you want to attend. Visitation will be held for an hour before the service. This service will be followed by burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery where her husband is buried. Mom - You will be missed by us all. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/desmoinesregister/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=183269408#sthash.A1Q6MFSR.dpuf

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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