Obituary of Rhoda Anne Collins

Rhoda returned to her heavenly home on June 28, 2023. She was born July 28, 1934 in Bellevue, Washington to Elva Fry Sydnor and William DeBlois Sydnor. Preceding her in death was Elva (mother), William (father), William Jr. (brother), Elizabeth (Sister), and husband (John W. Collins).

Rhoda graduated from Midlothian High School (Virginia), attended Western Washington College (Bellingham, WA) and Sonoma State College (California).

Numerous work experiences included Southern States Cooperative (Virginia), U.S. Navy (California), Shady Oaks Mushrooms (Santa Cruz, CA), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Fresno, CA), U.S. Post Office (Santa Cruz, CA). Thirty years of work in the Federal Workforce earned her a retirement in 1991.

Rhoda is the mother of Stephen Graap (Cyndi) and Terry Graap. Five grandchildren include Kristopher, Nicole, Alexandra, Nathanael, Rachael and one great granddaughter, Maddison. Rhoda is also the proud stepmother of Timothy Collins (Pamela), Bruce Collins (Sue), and Peggy Overbeck (Wayne). Seven grandchildren include Jennifer, Jodi, Katy, Michelle, Dustin, Melissa, Jessica, and five great grandchildren, Tommy, Connor, Andy, Roy, and June.  

Rhoda enjoyed the friendship of many friends.

Rhoda belonged to several organizations of great importance to her. Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, National Organization of Retired Federal Employees, Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz, and U.S. Navy League.

Religious activities are a very personal matter. Rhoda did enjoy attending church, especially during all the years that her mother was the organist. The familiar hymns will always sing in her heart.

Her many interests included gardening, hiking, browsing the beaches, reading, painting, calligraphy, travel, old movies, and without a doubt playing the piano, especially the music from the 1930’s and 1940’s. In traveling the United States of America, she saw it all from sea to shining sea. Her love of nature included holding a live hummingbird in her hand.

We release our mother to her heavenly home whether it be the wild and wonderful Pacific Ocean or placid Lake Washington or the beautiful, gentle Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

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