Obituary of Velma Winona Rhodes

Velma Winona Rhodes   

December 20, 1935-March 20, 2023  

                                                                          

Velma was the second child born to Walter and LaVona Elmore the Family grew to a total of eleven children. She was very caring and would do all she could to help her family. If she had it, you had it. For some of us she went above and beyond to lend a hand. Although she never drove a car, she got around town pretty well on her three-wheeled bicycle. Some days to help out with the newspaper route she would ride her bike from her home on the westside of Weiser, go to the newspaper office in town to pick up the papers and take them to the eastside of town so they would be there for her niece to deliver after school.         

 

Velma was our family's historian; any name, birthday, address, or information we needed she remembered it all despite having only completed the 9th grade. Later in life, when she was 51 years old, she earned her Certificate of General Education and has been the inspiration for others to do the same.           

 

Velma loved to read books or listen to books on tape. She also enjoyed arts and crafts along with music. She will always be remembered with love and kindness. Besides being a great sister, she was also the mother of 5 children. One of them, Patrick, she spent most of her later years living with. Because of her physical handicap she couldn’t get around and do everything by herself. So, he was able to care for his mother just like she took care of him when he was a little boy.     

 

Velma was preceded in death by 1 son, her parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. She is survived by sons Patrick Kim and Robert John, daughters Michelle Rene (Clayton) Salikie and Mary Lou, 1 brother Leo (Elizabeth), 3 sisters Nancy, Georgia, Arda, numerable nieces and nephews including greats and great greats.

 

Our family would like to thank the staff at Canyon West of Cascadia for the care they have given to Velma. You may leave condolences on the tribute wall at Shaffer-Jensen. 

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