Julia (Jordre) Rhoads, 99, died peacefully of natural causes Saturday, June 2, 2012, at Manor Care Health Services in Minot.
Julia was born Oct. 4, 1912, at Eckman, to John K. and Thea (Bye) Jordre, the fifth of their six children. The family later moved to the Deering area, where they farmed for many years.
Julia graduated from Glenburn High School in 1930, and married George Washington Rhoads, Jr. on Sept. 30, 1930, in Bottineau. The couple had one daughter, Deloris Rhoads Hergenrather Cassady. They lived and farmed in the Glenburn area from 1936 to 1954. George and Julia moved to Minot in 1954 and continued to farm until 1968. George passed away in June of 1981 after 50 years of marriage.
Julia remained in the Minot area and Deloris returned to live with her mother in 1993. They resided together for the next 12 years, a very special time for mother and daughter.
Julia was a longtime member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. She was a charter member and past president of the Minot Eagles Auxiliary; she and George were named Mr. and Mrs. Eagle in 1974.
Julia was preceded in death by her husband, George; her daughter, Deloris; her sisters, Anna Johnson, Cora Larson, Mattie Clapper and Bessie Simmons; and her brother, James.
She is survived by: her grandsons, Neale (Susan) and Shaw (Lisa) Hergenrather, of Virginia; her granddaughter, Julie (Paul Bach) Hergenrather, of Pennsylvania; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews, including her beloved sister Bessie's twin girls, Bonnie (Bacon) and Connie (Artz). Her great-great-niece, Thea, brought her special joy.
Julia is also survived by many loving friends, especially Betty Tweten and Mary McAlmond, with whom she enjoyed many laughs, wonderful road trips, special events, the Hostfest, Friday nights at the Bootlegrz, and other occasions too many to name.
The family is grateful to those who extended themselves over the years in special acts of care and concern, ensuring Julia was able to live independently as long as possible and enjoy a long, happy and rich life.
Funeral: Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Prior to the service at the church.
Memorials: Preferred to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch or the charity of the donor's choice.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).