Rhoda Smith Stowe
July 22, 2016
Rhoda Smith Stowe was born July 11, 1919 to Benjamin and Lula Smith in Bismarck, North Dakota. She passed away Friday, July 22, 2016 at 3801 Grand Avenue in Des Moines where she had lived for many years. She was surrounded by her family and the 3801 Grand staff who had loved and cared for her.
She and her parents, Ben and Lula Smith, lived in a log cabin on a ranch outside of Hensler, North Dakota. She had eight siblings, two of which died in childhood. Rhoda was preceded in death by her siblings, Malcom Smith, Thomas Smith, Desa (Ruth) Smith Coleman, Ben Smith, and Mary J. Smith. She is survived by siblings, Joan Smith Christensen, Nellie Smith Harris, and Norman Smith.
Rhoda graduated from nursing school in Bismarck, North Dakota and then married Gaylord L. Stowe (deceased). She enlisted in the U. S. Army and was stationed in the New Caladonia Island at the Pacific Theater Army Hospital base during World War II. She said it was the best and worst times of her life. Following the war, she and Gaylord had three children, Bob Stowe (deceased), Bill Stowe, and Dorothy Stowe Hanneman. Rhoda has three grandchildren, Shane Hanneman, Renee Stowe Albough, and Liam Stowe.
Rhoda was a school nurse at the Nevada School District for over 30 years until she retired. She lived a long and interesting life spent helping others. She will be remembered for her fun, spunky, and giving nature. She loved her family, the birds and squirrels, and a good game of cards.
A special thanks to the wonderful hospice workers and the staff at 3801 Grand who were her friends and caregivers.
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2016 at White Oak Cemetery near Elkhart.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Trees Des Moines or Gentiva Hospice in the name of Rhoda Stowe.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Andy and Katherine McDonald
07/25/2016
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoyed visiting her when we were over seeing Milton McDonald,( our father) at 3801 Grand. She had an agreeable manner about her and she would greet us and visit. Thanks for sharing your mom with us too!!
Teresa McGreevy Mohr
07/25/2016
Bill and Dorothy, please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mother was a special friend to my parents and we have thought of her often. She will be remembered by so many of us whose lives she touched.
Sherri Bainter
07/25/2016
Mrs. Stowe was a wonderful nurse. She was so loving & careful when she tended to our little injuries, wiping our tears & giving us hugs. I wanted to be a nurse just like her until I got older & realized what was really involved with being a nurse. I don't deal well with blood. We were so blessed to have her in our school. Peace & love to her family. Sherri Haynes, class of 1971
Pagene Crawford
07/25/2016
I remember Rhoda as a very caring individual that all of us looked up to.I didn't know she was in Des Moines. I would have visited her if her health permitted. I wanted her to know I went into Nursing later in life. She was the best! I also know her daughter Dorothy. She was a classmate and friend of mine and my twin, Ragene, too. Please know Dorothy and Bill we all send our sympathy and prayers to you and your families. Your Mom was a gift to all who knew her.
.
LuAnne Pavel
07/25/2016
Bill and the entire Stowe Family, Your Mom was a wonderful person, an inspiration to me as I chose the nursing profession. She made health class fun and I have never forgotten her. Prayers and peace to your family. LuAnne Rasmussen, class of 76.
Janet Rainbolt Jacques
07/25/2016
Nurse Stowe was one of my favorite parts of my Nevada School years. I have never forgotten her kindness. God bless her and her family. My prayers are with you. ( graduate of 1973 ).
Ralph & Juanita Marasco
07/25/2016
Ralph and I send you our Sincerest and Deepest Sympathy in the loss of your Mother.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.????. God Bless
Dan & Jane Klopfer
07/24/2016
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. You have our deepest condolences. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Kotouc
07/24/2016
My deepest condolences to Bill and the entire Stowe family. I grew up with Bill in Nevada, Iowa and had the privilege of spending time in the Stowe home. Mrs. Stowe was one of the kindest ladies and much more than a school nurse to people in the community. My prayers are with you.
Donna Ambrose Cooper
07/24/2016
Rhoda was a very special neighbor, school nurse, and lady who had great influences on all of us as we grew up. We enjoyed talks on her front porch as well as the lemonade she made for us. Bill and Dorothy, our condolences.
Ruth Book
07/24/2016
What a wonderful person our beloved school nurse was as she cared for us. Even today I can clearly hear her voice and see her genuine smile! I have such fond memories of her throughout my school years. Rhoda was a true gem and exemplified kindness and serving others -- a role model to all who knew her. My condolences to her family; I'm so sorry I didn't realize she lived in Des Moines -- I would have enjoyed visiting her.
S
07/24/2016
Peace, Prayers and Blessings.
Barry L Kenney
07/24/2016
My condolences to Bill Stowe and the Stowe family. Your brother Bob and I went to school together and I knew Rhoda well as Bob's Mom and as the school nurse. She was a wonderful lady
V
07/24/2016
Sincere condolences.
Cindy Sparks
07/24/2016
So sorry for your loss sending our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy,I will always remember her kind and gentle spirit and beautiful smile ???? for you all.