Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Kit Carson, CO. Memorial contributions can be made to the United Methodist Church of Kit Carson. Mrs. Rhoades is survived by her husband Bill Rhoades, her children: Byron (Mary) Rhoades and Sally (John) Anglin and her 4 grandchildren: Tom, Jacque, Darby and Danielle as well as by her two brothers Jim and Jack Thatcher.


Donita Beth (Thatcher) Rhoades passed away peacefully in Colorado Springs, CO on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. She leaves her husband of 47 years, Bill; a son, Byron (Mary) Rhoades of Kit Carson, CO, a daughter. Sally (John) Anglin of Amarillo, TX, one grandson, Tom Rhoades and three granddaughters, Jacque Rhoades, Danielle Anglin and Darby Anglin. Donita also leaves two brothers, Jim (Liz) Thatcher of Plaucheville, LA and Jack Thatcher of Kit Carson, CO; two brother-in-laws, Bob (Sharon) Rhoades of Benkleman, NE and Don (Mary Ellen)Rhoades of Ashland, OR and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Don and Laura Thatcher.


Donita was born in Scott City, KS on April 1, 1935. She graduated from Kit Carson High School, then earned her lifetime teacher's certification from Colorad Teacher's College in Greeley, CO and began her teaching career in Yuma, CO teaching High School English. In 1959 she came home to Kit Carson to teach. Among her subjects were High School English, the 6th grade, social studies and business.


Donita was a very strict teacher, but her students often listed her among their favorite as they always learned from her. One of her favorite things to tell was how she would look around the classroom with her sternest look unbeknownst to the students that she couldn't see a thing if she didn't have her glasses on!


She taught through the 1979 school year (Taking a few years off when she had her children) then retiring to devote herself fullltime to being a wife and mother; but she would return a few times to teach when a teacher quit or could not fullfill their contract. Keeping books for the Rhoades Brothers Ranch was also her responsibility.


Spending countless hours with her grandchildren was one of Donita's greatest joys. From baking their favorite chocolate cookies or raisin cookies to cooking their favorite meals or to helping with their homework, they knew she would always have something special for them. As the grandchildren grew she enjoyed attending their sporting events and school programs. They will forever bear the imprint of her influence.


Donita enjoyed attending class and school reunions, watching the horse races and visiting with her friends. She was an avid reader and walked daily until her health would no longer allow it.