Rhoda Lofthouse Bowen, our beloved mother, relative and friend, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at the home of her daughter, Coleen Bevan, in Mapleton, Utah.

Rhoda was born in Clawson (Tetonia), Idaho, on August 21, 1919. She was the first of her family to be born in Teton Valley after they had relocated to Idaho from Cache Valley, Utah. She loved her Teton Valley home but moved to Idaho Falls to be near family in 2004.

Upon graduation from high school, Rhoda attended Ricks College, where she obtained her teaching certificate. She taught in various schools in the region. After World War II, the country was in great demand for nurses, so she enrolled in nurse's training at the University of Utah, where she graduated with honors. Her nursing career lasted over 40 years at the Teton Valley Hospital in Driggs.

She will be remembered and revered in that community for her compassionate service throughout the years.

In 1949, Rhoda was married to Fred Bowen of Driggs. She instantaneously became a mother, as Fred had been a widower with three young sons, Milo, Garry and Phil. Unfortunately, little Phil died two months later of complications after a tonsillectomy. She loved being a farm wife and her work at the hospital. Eventually, two more daughters were added to this union, Coleen and Carma.

Rhoda was a Christian in every aspect of the word. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, serving in many capacities as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her missions to both the Salt Lake Family History Center and Los Angeles Family History Center. She has done extensive research on our family genealogies. Her greatest legacy is the way she loved and served all those around her.

Rhoda was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings and her three sons.

She is survived by her two daughters, Coleen (Don) Bevan of Mapleton, Utah, and Carma (Jim) Allison of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.