Betty Rhoades

Betty Louise Pedersen Rhoades, passed away quietly at her home, in the arms of her oldest daughter, Corinne Louise, on November 22, 2011. This is where her daughter, Claudia Ann, of Poulsbo, Washington, had lovingly attended her every desire for the past six years. Her son, David, has been a constant source of strength and kindness over the years since the passing of her husband, Ray, in 1994. Betty Lou, as she was known by her family and friends, was a winning poet, fluent writer of prose and family history stories, watercolor artist and a friend to all – her family, neighbors and countless friends. She graduated from Idaho Falls High School and attended Idaho State University. She loved nature, particularly birds and became an expert at her depictions of them in her paintings. She was an active participant in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and her husband, Ray, raised four children, Paul Ray, who preceded her in death, David Edwin, Corinne Louise, and Claudia Ann (Mrs, Bradley K. Allen). She and Ray were married at the home of her parents, Peder and Mariane Pedersen, on December 27, 1941, and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on July 16, 1947. During the first part of World War II she and Ray, who served in the 8th Air Force in England for the duration of the war, lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. After the end of the war they lived on Mound Avenue, ‘J’ Street and 8th Street, all in Idaho Falls. Later they lived in Boise, Idaho, then returned to Idaho Falls, where they lived at their South Fanning address for the past 29 years. Betty Lou loved children and related stories of her own children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, with great enthusiasm. She loved to read and could quote passages and poetry with the best, always having a fitting addition to a story, a lesson or a bit of wit and humor! Flowers and gardening were not the least of her loves and her home and yard were a reflection of the beauty she nurtured. She was generous and giving, constantly and quietly, seeking someone in need. She loved to cook and many were the happy recipient of her healing chicken soup! She was the daughter of Peder Pedersen and Nelsine Marianne (Sorensen) Pedersen, of Viborg, Randers, Denmark. As converts to the LDS Church, they immigrated to Idaho in 1901. They sailed on the Commonwealth to the Boston Harbor, where they were met by missionaries and helped across the country, settling first in Ucon and later at their ‘J’ Street address, where Betty Lou was born, the first baby in the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital, on November 27, 1923, and her parents remained at that home the rest of their lives. She would have been 88 years old. The youngest of eleven children, with nine surviving, and the last to pass away. Her siblings are Axel Laurits Martin Pedersen, a child who was born and died 21 Sept 1897. He was sealed to his parents 27 January 1904. Johanne Christine Mariane of Carthage, IL, Peder Victor of Las Vegas, NV, Oscar Laurentz of Pingree/Springfield, ID, Ellen Larene of Swan Valley, ID, Einer Martin of Idaho Falls ID, Grace Fern of Salt Lake City, UT, Soren Edwin of Idaho Falls (former Mayor), and Evelyn Maurine of Logan UT. She has 12 grandchildren, Christian Paul, David, Amanda Beth, Cassandra, David J, Abby, Hugh, Preston, Philip, Aaron, Peter and Cara, and nine great grandchildren. She has 33 nieces and nephews, whom she has loved as her own and are dearest friends. Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon Friday December 2, 2011, at the Idaho Falls LDS Second Ward, 895 South Boulevard, with Bishop Peter Demitropoulos officiating. The family will visit with friends from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be next to her husband in Fielding Memorial Park in Idaho Falls. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Qualicare Home Care3539 Briar Creek, Suite A, Idaho Falls, ID 83406, The American Cancer Society, 2676 Vita Avenue, Boise, ID 83705, or The Salvation Army.