The Life of HELEN ROBERTA RODDA
Helen Roberta Rodda (Williams), 80, passed away Monday June 20, 2011 at Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA. She resided in Berwick, IA after raising her family in Altoona and then many years in Des Moines.
She was born in Dallas County on March 30, 1931 to John and Elva Williams (Johnson). The third of 5 children, she graduated from Chariton High School, although she was always included in the Adel-Desoto-Minburn Alumni Association where she attended her first 3 years of high school. Moving to Des Moines shortly after graduation to work for Look Magazine and Central Tractor, she then married Leland Rodda on September 10, 1949. They had four children; Steve (Debi) from Fort Wayne, IN, Ken (Joyce) from Highlands Ranch, CO, Jeff (Patricia) from Des Moines, IA and Wendy Newby from Carlisle, IA.
After serving in the cafeteria during the kids’ school days, Helen joined what was then Bankers Life in their “Mothers Hours” program. Working part-time she saw the kids off to school and was home when they returned. Later she became a valued full time staff member assisting agents. Upon her retirement, she received accolades from the Principal Group family all over the country. After retirement Helen traveled to see her family. She followed her beloved Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes and anyone who beat Michigan, Ohio State and Bobby Knight.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Winfrid (Bill) and Larry. Surviving is her husband of 61 years, Leland; sister, Mary Zumbro (Al), brother, Jimmy Williams; her 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, June 23, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, with burial of cremated remains to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet friends an hour prior to service time at the funeral home.
Memorials to the Animal Rescue League.