Shirley Anne Rhoades, 86, went home to be with the Lord on June 5, 2023 while surrounded by her family in Oakville, Washington.
Shirley was born Oct. 16, 1936 to Ernest Fredrick and Thelma Christine Boeck in Centralia, Washington, where she was raised with her younger brother Frederick Ernest Boeck. Shirley attended Centralia Schools and graduated from Centralia High School in 1954.
On Nov. 7, 1954 Shirley married the love of her life Charles Vincent “Vinnie” Rhoades, Sr. in Centralia. Shirley and Vincent lived in California, Humptulips and Selah early in their marriage, before settling at the family home at the top of Zenkner Valley in 1976, where she raised her five children.
Shirley worked outside the home in several places including the Centralia Library, the Pearl Street Market, as a Census Taker and every summer at the gate of the SWW Fair.
Shirley was more often remembered for her community service roles as she coordinated cookie and calendar sales for the Girl Scouts many years where she earned the nickname “Cookie.” She was a longtime member of Thurston County Fire District #16—Gibson Valley where she served as an EMT, Fire District Secretary and Fire Chief before the end of her service in 1992. She also spent several years as a volunteer campground host for the Washington State Parks Department at Rainbow Falls after Vincent’s retirement. Shirley and Vincent received several awards while at the park including Volunteers of the Year.
Shirley is survived by her husband Vincent, Oakville; four of her children, Chris Montelongo, Centralia; Susan Morales, Centralia; Charles Rhoades, Jr. (Donna), Ethel, and Carlton (Cassondra) Rhoades, Oakville. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and daughter — Beverly Ramirez. A celebration of life is being planned at Oakview Grange at 1 p.m. on July 22. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Girl Scouts of America in Shirley’s name.
