Obituary of Beverly Jean Rhoads

Beverly J. Rhoads Oct. 2, 1933 — May 16, 2015 Beverly Jean Rhoads, “Bev,” mother, grandma, great-grandma, Women’s Army Corp Veteran, fashionista, beautician, professional shopper, dog lover, best comfort food cook and longtime resident of Longview, died May 16, 2015. She was born in 1933 in Rapid City, S.D., and moved to Longview with her mother, Florence and brother, Dean. Bev was a 1952 graduate of Kelso High School and remained in close contact with her classmates whom she called friends. The highlight of her year was summer class reunions where she was in her element, cooking and entertaining others with her quick wit. Friends and family will remember Bev’s “flair” – her hair, her nails and of course her jewelry. In the early years she designed jewelry and eventually showed off her sales skills at J.C. Penny where she was an All Star award winner year after year. Whether it was a first communion, graduation or wedding, Bev had the perfect piece of jewelry for every occasion. She is survived by her brother, Dean Jacobs; and four children, Gale Schmidt (Blair), Don Rhoads Jr. (Jennifer), Kevin Rhoads (Shelly) and Holly Minium (Kevin). She was so proud of her grandchildren, Neasha, Marston, Alli, Callie, Kevin, Donnie and Giovanna; and her great-grandchildren, Cayden, Zada and Coehn. Bev loved her dogs: Bobo, Heidi, Jet, Zan, Soot, Sandy, Cheyenne, Misty, Gretta, Marcy, Joey, and Jesse. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, P.O. Box 172, Longview, WA 98632. Bev will be most remembered for her generous spirit. She gave of her time, talent and treasure throughout her life to all those who had the honor to know and spend time with her. Bev will be laid to rest next to her husband, Don during a private family interment. All family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Bev’s life at 1 p.m. June 5 at Parker’s Restaurant, 1300 Mount St. Helens Way NE, in Castle Rock.