On Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, after a courageous four years battling cancer, Gloria Dayle Rhode, of Rochester, Washington, passed away. She was 74 years old.
Gloria was born to Frank Wilber Yocom and Anna Minnie Yocom (later Conwell, née Huisman) on July 12, 1949, in Centralia, Washington. She was a caring sister to four brothers: Craig, Mike, Jeff and David. She graduated from Camas High School in 1967, and went on to attend Centralia College where she studied business, accounting and computers. Gloria was a skilled and diligent worker who enjoyed a diversified work life over the years. She worked for the Crown Zellerbach mill in Camas; she was the owner, operator and builder at Columbia Fiberglass Boats in Rochester from 1975 to 1993; she worked on a Weyerhaeuser Tree Farm in Rochester; and she worked in the Fred Meyer Distribution Center in Chehalis, Washington, for 17 years.
On Feb. 4, 1968, Gloria married Harlan Rhode in Reno, Nevada. Together they brought Jennie Rhode into the world. Family was always the center of Gloria’s life. She loved family dinners, picnics and barbecues. Some of Gloria’s most cherished moments were summers at the beach with family boating, ocean fishing, clam digging and camping. Gloria loved nature. She spent much of her time tending to her plants, trees and rhododendrons. She was always learning and was interested in many subjects such as astronomy, zoology and world events. Gloria was a kid at heart. She loved to tell stories and jokes, and she loved her granddogs. She lived to help others and donated to various charities including the Salvation Army, the local food bank, the American Cancer Society and the Children’s Network. Gloria was a precious and loving mom, daughter and sister. She will be deeply missed.
Gloria was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Minnie Conwell; her father, Albert Conwell; and her biological father, Frank Wilber Yocom.
Gloria is survived by her daughter, Jennie A Rhode; her brothers, Craig Yocom (Sue), David Conwell (Donda), Mike Conwell (Ginger Berry) and Jeff Conwell (Debi); and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank everyone who offered their thoughts, prayers and support. There will be a celebration of life at the Swede Hall, 18543 Albany St. SW, Rochester, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center or a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com for the Rhode family.
