Ruth Edna Anderson Rhodes passed away after a short illness on March 1, 2004, at the age of 69.

She was born in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 4, 1934, to James and Vera Anderson of Oswego, N.Y. She was a 1953 graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle. Prior to coming to South Whidbey in the late 1960s, Mrs. Rhodes owned an accounting business in Puyallup She owned Island Accounting & Tax in Freeland for many years, and was a member of Freeland Chamber of Commerce. She was a partner in Valkyrie Enterprises, the first all-woman corporation in Washington, building a subdivision on South Whidbey known as Campbell’s Glen. She began the South Whidbey Business and Professional Women’s Club, serving as president for many terms.

She was a charter member of the South Whidbey Soroptomists and attended St. Hubert’s in Langley. She began, designed, created, directed the Haunted House as a fundraiser for the American Legion and the Soroptomists. She helped in designing the Playground in the Park and to start the Christmas parade at the Freeland Park. She helped others in obtaining medical assistance, wading through mountains of insurance forms, and was involved in Girl Scouts. She won the state Golden Apple Award for outstanding achievements in PTA.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bill Rhodes of Tulsa, Okla.; children Bill Jr., Terry (and Michael), Don (and Barb); brothers James, Michael, Ronald and Bill; sisters Vicky Leonard and Marilyn Arechavala; stepparents Will and Dorothy MacFarland; grandchildren Mike, Kacy, Tiffany, Josh, Shelby, Amber and Justin; and great-grandson Nicholas.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy; and a brother, Jeff Anderson.

True to Ruth’s spirit of fun, there will be a “un-birthday party” celebrating her life and achievements on March 20 at the Eagles Aerie #3418, in Freeland, 3-6 p.m.

A memorial scholarship fund is in place for Ruth Rhodes. All contributions may be made at any Pacific NorthWest Bank in her name.