Helen Rodda
June 20, 2011
Helen Roberta Rodda (Williams), 80, passed away Monday June 20, 2011 at Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA. She resided in Berwick, IA after raising her family in Altoona and then many years in Des Moines.
She was born in Dallas County on March 30, 1931 to John and Elva Williams (Johnson). The third of 5 children, she graduated from Chariton High School, although she was always included in the Adel-Desoto-Minburn Alumni Association where she attended her first 3 years of high school. Moving to Des Moines shortly after graduation to work for Look Magazine and Central Tractor, she then married Leland Rodda on September 10, 1949. They had four children; Steve (Debi) from Fort Wayne, IN, Ken (Joyce) from Highlands Ranch, CO, Jeff (Patricia) from Des Moines, IA and Wendy Newby from Carlisle, IA.
After serving in the cafeteria during the kids’ school days, Helen joined what was then Bankers Life in their “Mothers Hours” program. Working part-time she saw the kids off to school and was home when they returned. Later she became a valued full time staff member assisting agents. Upon her retirement, she received accolades from the Principal Group family all over the country. After retirement Helen traveled to see her family. She followed her beloved Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes and anyone who beat Michigan, Ohio State and Bobby Knight.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Winfrid (Bill) and Larry. Surviving is her husband of 61 years, Leland; sister, Mary Zumbro (Al), brother, Jimmy Williams; her 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, June 23, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, with burial of cremated remains to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet friends an hour prior to service time at the funeral home.
Memorials to the Animal Rescue League.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Judy (Kelso) Fadness
06/23/2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many happy memories of getting together with Helen for a chat and coffee when I lived across the street. It was great that we could get together for a chat the last few times I was in Iowa. She was a wonderful friend.
Judy (Allen) Willey
06/23/2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Helen and her patience in putting up with all us teenagers invading her home. She was always warm and welcoming. A truly lovely lady. You are held in my heart and prayers.
Carolyn Lenhart (Williams)
06/22/2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am so glad that I was able to spend some time with Aunt Helen before she passed away. We were remembering all of the great Sunday dinners at her house with the good old 8mm movies afterward. I loved that house in Altoona and I told her that I always thought she was so rich for owning a mansion and that a few years ago I took the kids there and showed them the old house and I thought it was a lot smaller than I remembered. I love you guys and miss how close we all used to be! I am so grateful that mom had you guys for all of the years after her and dad got a divorce. Mike and I loved spending time with all of you. Mom now has one more person to party with in Heaven. God Bless all of you.
Greg & Judy Vandall
06/22/2011
We are so sorry to hear of Helen's passing--Our sincere sympathy goes out to everyone. all our love-Greg & Judy & family