Rhoda Ann (Gaddis) Fredricks, age 77, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society – Canistota. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at The Church of Nazarene (226 N Main St., Viborg, SD). Family will be present one hour prior for visitation.

Rhoda was born on September 29, 1946 to Loraine "Larry" and Grace (Waring) Gaddis in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. When she was a month old, she moved to Viborg where she grew up in the town's funeral home. Rhoda attended Viborg High School and played in the band and marching band. She graduated in 1964. A talented musician, she also played piano and organ. Most especially, Rhoda had a beautiful singing voice that would captivate an audience. She valued her talents and music was incredibly important to her, as was sharing her gifts and appreciation with others.

In 1966, Rhoda brought her daughter, Geri, into the world and the two of them moved out to California for two years. She returned to Sioux Falls and worked as a bookkeeper for over 20 years. When a neighbor, Evert Fredricks, moved back to the area, their friendship blossomed. The couple was married on March 23, 1991, and Evert brought his four children into the family, Melanie, Michelle, Jason, and Erik. Rhoda, Evert and Erik, Evert's youngest, moved to Viborg where Evert opened The Shop, a small engine repair business. Meanwhile, despite only being married a short time, Rhoda traveled to Chicago to attend Worsham College of Mortuary Science for a year's time.

Rhoda returned to Viborg ready to work alongside her mother, Grace Gaddis, at Viborg Funeral Home. Grace retired and handed down the management of the funeral home to Rhoda. She served her community for 23 years, guiding many through the most difficult times of their lives. She retired in 2017. Rhoda didn't view funeral directing as a job, once telling a friend that it was her calling. She was honored to care for the families she served. Rhoda volunteered for the Viborg Community Ambulance for a few years as well. After her retirement, Rhoda moved to Wall Lake to be with her daughter, Geri, and her family. She was able to stay with her family until moving to Good Samaritan Society in Canistota in January 2024.

Rhoda thoroughly enjoyed reading, so much so that just reading one book was never enough. She would often have multiple books going at a time, just so she would have one at the ready everywhere that she went. There needed to be a book by the sofa, in the kitchen, by her chair, at her bedside, and at work. She loved to crochet. Before Evert's passing, the pair enjoyed fishing and camping together. They were even the camp hosts at Union State Park for a few years. Most of all, Rhoda loved spending time with her family and friends.

Grateful to have shared Rhoda's life with her are her daughter, Geri (Kellin) DeVries of Hartford, SD and children, Jay, Joe (Kathleen) and Trever; her step-children, Melanie (Ron) Conkling and children, Jared, Hannah and Justice, Michelle (John Reimer) Muller and children, Braven, Jason Fredricks and children, Katelyn, Paityn (Noah) and Brexten, and Erik Fredricks and children Adrian, Andrew, Luka and Willa, all of Sioux Falls, SD; seven great-grandchildren; her brother, Glen Gaddis; and many friends and extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Evert Fredricks; her parents, Larry and Grace Gaddis; and extended family.