Walter 'Wally' Rhoades

Funeral service for Walter Wally Rhoades will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2009 at High Plains Community Church, Gillette, Wyoming with Reverend Dan Morgan officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2009 at Walker Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home, Gillette, Wyoming. Walter Rhoades went peacefully to be with the Lord on a beautiful spring morning at 5:30 a.m. on May 11, 2009. Walter Wally Allen Rhoades was born to Robert and Sally (Beck) Rhoades on September 11, 1951 in Newcastle, WY. The family moved to Gillette when Wally was eleven, he attended and graduated from Campbell County High School in 1969. Wally married Karla Dickinson on June 6th 1971. He attended Wyoming Technical Center in Laramie, Wyoming where he received his Technical Degree and became an auto mechanic. He worked for the Farmers Coop of Gillette for a time and finished his working career at Diamond Lumber. He had a love for carpentry, and working with his hands he also enjoyed hunting and camping. Wally enjoyed calling the Bingo games at the Pioneer Manor. His favorite pastime was spending time with family and his grandchildren. Wally was also an active member of High Plains Community Church. In his life Wally fought a long battle with diabetes, and the complications that come with the territory. Through it all he kept a sharp wit and humor that touched the lives of all who crossed his path. His strength through all the trials he faced stands as a testament to the kind of man he was, and he lives on in our hearts as a man who would not let troubles and hardship take the joy he found in living life. He is survived by his wife Karla of Gillette; sons, Eric Rhoades of Gillette, Wyoming; Scott Rhoades of Plano, Texas; mother, Sally Rhoades, Gillette, Wyoming; brother, Bob Rhoades of Gillette, Wyoming; sister, Julie Chick, Gillette Wyoming; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father and one brother George of Gillette. A memorial to benefit Pioneer Manor Activities Fund has been established in Wallys name. Memorials and condolences can be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette Wyoming 82716. Condolences can be sent via the website at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.