Wilma Rhoades

Wilma Jean Rhoades was born in Canyon City, S.D., Aug. 2, 1934, to William and Violet Cutler.
Wilma graduated from Lead (S.D.) High School in 1952. After graduation she moved to Eugene, Ore., to attend Bible School. It was after Bible College she had the calling to move to Las Cruces, N.M., to do missionary work. Wilma worked 30 plus years in the motel industry, starting at Calamity Peak, Custer (S.D.) Motel and ending with Travelodge.
Wilma met her husband, James, of 51 years, at the 7-11 Ranch near Buffalo Gap, S.D. Their union brought very wonderful, lasting memories. James and Wilma were married Feb. 26, 1963 at the church in Buffalo Gap.
For many years Wilma was involved in World Woman Fellowship. She also helped with the Operation Christmas Child/Shoebox outreach of Samaritans Purse.
Wilma loved the Lord and would go to church every chance she got.  Bible studies were very important in her life.
Wilma, of Custer, S.D., passed away Dec. 7, 2024. She was 90.
Wilma is preceded in death by her husband, James Rhoades; brothers, Leroy, Leland, Forrest, Neil and Marion Cutler; brother in law, Ted Zechin; uncles, Earl Cooper and Floyd Cooper; niece, Charmain Zechin; cousins, Patty Cooper and James Cooper; and beloved grandson, Tyler Rowlette.
She is survived by her daughter, Lavonna (Steve) Maines; granddaughters, Saphire Maines and Novvah Maines; grandsons, Chris Rowlette, Jesse Rowlette and Nicholas Rowlette; great-grandkids, Iridessa Romero, Devon Rowlette and Nikkole Salwyn; sisters in law, Jean Cutler and Clara Zechin; nephews, Theron (Meredith) Cutler, Lance (Susie) Cutler, Lyle (Angie) Cutler and Mike Zechin; niece, Lisa (Andy) Jackson; cousin, Richard Cooper; and several great-nieces and nephews.  
Wilma also made many friends throughout the years that she cherished until the time of her passing.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Avantara St. Cloud where Wilma lived the past several years. I was told by many that Wilma always had a smile on her face and a loving heart and that she would be missed.
A special thank you to Jan Russell for the visit she had with my mom, Pastor Joel for all the prayers and to Jennifer Jones who stayed with Wilma until she passed. Thank you for Stillwater staff for the extra care that they gave Wilma in her final day.
Thank you all very much for everything you have done. I appreciate it more than you know!
Services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.